Nothing Left

“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.” Mark 12:41-44

At a church I attended for years there was a handicapped man who was very faithful in attendance. At offering time, he would pull out his wallet, open it and dump all his change into the plate. He would be smiling and enjoying the fact that he was able to give. Giving was one of his ways to worship.

Jesus used every opportunity to teach from whatever was going on around Him at the time. In this story, he was showing the religious leaders that their religion was only for pretense and gain. He compared them to this woman who gave all she had but did it from a heart of love for God.

Looking at her situation we realize that this woman would have had no widow’s pension, no government support for her children, and no food bank to depend on when her cupboard was bare. She did not have a husband to provide for her. Where her income came from, we do not know, but not knowing what tomorrow held, she is putting her last few coins into the temple treasury as an act of worship.

Although the Bible does not give us the rest of the story, I would think that as the Lord looked at her and saw her situation, the Heavenly Father laid it upon someone’s heart to provide for her need. He saw a faith that never goes unrewarded. Her name is not given, but she will always live as an example of one who gave her all.

I have been a widow for 22 years, and thanks to the pensions which I contributed to for years, I have a regular income. There have been times when finances have been tight, but I have always been faithful in my giving to the Lord. He has blessed me abundantly and meets all my needs. I am thankful for my children, who have been generous and faithful.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38

I have proved this Scripture over and over. When the Lord asks us to give, even though it may seem that we do not understand, we can be sure, that He has already made provisions to supply all our needs. He does not always give back in financial gain, but the blessings of giving to the Lord and others, cannot be measured.

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us and for your faithfulness in providing our every need. Help us to be generous in giving to others.

Devotion by Anne Johnston