Giving in Hope

12/11- Hope Enables Giving When we Have Little- Widow’s Mite

1As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
     5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”

Thoughts: Jesus and the disciples were in one of the seven wonders of that ancient world- the Temple.  The limestone shone brilliantly in the afternoon sun.  It was a symbol of the presence and power of God.  Yet Jesus was more pleased with this widow’s offering than all the glory of the Temple.  In truth, it is the dedication of hearts like hers that makes a Temple worthwhile.  She was all in.  There are some who say we should wait until we have plenty and then give out of that plenty.  This widow, in contrast, knew that all she had was a gift from God- and she lived it.  She gave not because she had a surplus, but because God meant so much to her.  I have seen some South Sudanese do the same thing.  They had no money for food, but they would put in what they had in the offering plate in trust that God would provide for their needs.  This is faith.
    But, this is not all.  The way the widow gave shows deep hope.  For widows in that day, there was no food bank or welfare system.  There was only begging.  Many in our day would have given up hope.  We trust in God when things go our way, but when things get tough we blame God and drop Him (like that puts us in a better position to get through our tough time!).  This widow was not mad at God for her humble situation.  She knew she needed to trust God in the valley of the shadow as well as beside still waters and green pastures.  To walk by faith and not by sight requires great trust and great patience.  It is a trust and patience that is normally rare, but in our very secular day is rare indeed.  Yet the widow teaches us not just about giving, but about faith and hope in God.  We should believe in the sun even when it Is not shining, and in God even when we do not see Him.  Jesus came to give hope to this widow.  He saw her need and saw her giving spirit.  He sees ours as well.  Put your hope in God and see how that changes your perspective, your expectations, your joy, your true freedom, your purpose, your love, and your hope. 

Prayer: Lord, you are my everything and I am willing to give everything to you.  But take what I have and multiply it for your glory.   

Song: What shall I give Him, poor as I am?  If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man I would do my part.  What shall I give Him?  I Give my heart.