I am currently reading through the book of Mark and I was again challenged by the story of the Widow’s Offering. We find Jesus observing the offerings being given by various people.
Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. ~Mark 12:41-42
Can you visualize the scene? First off, this woman had endured sorrow, loneliness, isolation and deep uncertainty regarding her future, as a widow. Secondly, we are told she was poor. The courage and gumption shown by this woman in depositing what was likely all or most of what she possessed, on the heels of those far richer throwing in gobs of money, would have likely caused her to feel a sense of inferiority and inadequacy.
Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.” ~Mark 12:43-44
This principle of giving out of one’s poverty, struck a chord with me. I have sought to be thankful throughout this time of quarantine because in truth, I really do have an immense amount for which to give thanks. Nevertheless, this past week I sensed a deep desire for understanding, community, enjoyable surprises, and times of refreshing. Within my family, I often feel like “Julie the Cruise Director” from: The Love Boat (#70’s-80’srivetingTV). While I have accepted this role and possibly even delighted in it, over the years, quarantine and the many restrictions placed on where we can go and what we can do, in addition to the many cancellations of camps and opportunities for engagement, have left me coming up dry. As my precious kids have bore holes into me, hovering in anticipation as to what form of entertainment I will provide next, I offer the same three options, which they perceive as redundant and meager. “Would you like to hike, bike or go on a walk?” Even as I write these words, I am filled with gratitude for the fact that we are able bodied and healthy enough to do the three above mentioned options. Nevertheless, I am lacking motivation for a multitude of reasons. I feel I have exhausted every creative idea I can muster. Therefore, this notion of giving out of my poverty is something I have contemplated this past week.
The Bible offers us another example of this concept in the story of Ruth. Her life shows us an example of one who gave out of her poverty. Ruth gave her faithfulness, loyalty and willingness to forego all that was familiar, to assist Naomi in her venture back to her homeland. Ruth was also generous in her willingness to work steadily to provide food for the two of them. It is remarkable to see that God assures us of the following:
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… ~2 Corinthians 9:11
With this in mind, we must ask ourselves: what talents, strengths, gifts, and material possessions do we possess, that God is calling us to offer generously, to care for others? Conversely, what is difficult, challenging or something we lack that God is asking us to dig deep and give away? You can read more here: Ruth 2:10-23
A mere look at creation tells of the unending creativity found in God, our Creator. He is the Source of motivation where we come up dry and lack vitality; the encouragement when we feel despair in the face of uncertainty and disappointment; the artist with unrelenting creativity who places before us a canvas that is expansive. God breathes life into all of creation, into you and me.
God Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. ~Acts 17:25
You know anything can be done if you look to Jesus. The well of your incompleteness is deep, but make the effort and look away to Him. Realize that the Lord is here NOW, and the emancipation is immediate. ~Oswald Chambers
Our freedom from fatigue, disappointment, uncertainty, suffering, and sickness is found in the Lord. He alone provides instantaneous liberation. This freedom may be one of the soul, less visible by others, yet more deeply seated in the reservoirs of our being. A peace that is unquenchable and unparalleled apart from solidarity with Jesus Christ, Himself. Giving out of our poverty accesses the very parts of us that are not simply an overflow of what we already possess. Instead, we are able to give of the dregs of our very selves, as an offering that God will use and redeem, to bless others. What many may view as insignificant offerings, as was thought of the widow and her two copper coins, will boast of God’s heart of generosity. As we seek Him, He will supply us with the capacity to give out of our poverty, deficiencies, barrenness, inadequacies and emptiness. God will be glorified in and through us.
The Smith Family
HE is trustworthy. 