As He looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the Temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," He said, "This poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."(Luke 21:1-4)
OBSERVATION: Giving is a spiritual matter between God and us. It is a part of our worship life and reflects, or should reflect, the love and trust we have in God. We should give eagerly and excitedly, with joy, gratitude, and with love, the first of what we receive.
A modern example might read: Jesus is sitting by the electronic kiosk set up by the church that will sound out electronic tones to match the size of the gift, much like the loud startup music of the old Pac-Man game. Here comes Warren Buffet. Wow! The sound is overpowering! Here comes Carlos Slim, again, electronic heaven with his gift. Then comes Bill Gates, and Red McCombs. A concert of heavenly music triggered by their gifts. Then comes an unknown little lady, whom everyone knows had lost her husband many years ago. She has no credit card nor bitcoin; she has two pennies, and the kiosk is not geared to receive coins, and so places them in a tattered box that used to have a sign that said, "Need a Penny? Take a penny! Have a penny? Leave a penny!" It is her gift that triggers the symphonic rich sound of God's Son, Jesus, as He says, "We have a winner! This lady gets it! She has out given everyone. The others gave out of their wealth, and they'll still be all right; this lady gave everything she had, everything she had to live on."
APPLICATION: Our true worship with our finances will reflect where we stand, and whether we walk or not, with God.
PRAYER: Loving God, let my faith grow to live and give as I should. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.
