2024_10_30 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4
I love the story of this lady. We don’t know her name, but we know that she is a poor widow with great devotion to God. Another thing we know from this story is that the God she loved was fully aware of her and deeply devoted to her. When Jesus saw her, “He called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44 (NLT) At the time this happened, many wealthy people were making donations, but the one Jesus singled out was unnoticed by all but Him. Our God sees us and knows our hearts, minds, and motives. This humble woman quietly gave more generously than all without any fanfare, bragging, or self-promotion. Prompted by a deep love for God, she gave to support the work of the temple.
Reading this I want to know more of her story: How did she come to trust God? Where did she live? How did she make a living? I also want to know how God met her needs as his beloved daughter. I know He did because He promises to care for us as we trust Him. Among the many times we see this in the Bible is: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
I have wondered if the widow returned to where she lived and found a package of food at her door, left by a neighbor whom God had prompted in prayer. Maybe one of the wealthy families at the temple needed a nanny and, hearing about the widow, asked if she would come to live with them and care for their children. It could be a hundred different ways, but we can trust that God made sure her needs were met.
This episode was so important that it was recorded by both Mark and Luke. Later, His disciples would draw on this example as they made choices to trust God with all they had. You and I should also be challenged by this widow’s actions and look at our own giving in support of God’s work. Are we all in or merely giving leftovers? Are we conduits of God’s blessing to others or more interested in accumulating what we want? I am certain the widow saw God provide, and her faith grew even deeper. That is what happens when we are generous.
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor