Daily Devotional for Sunday, October 29

The Donation

“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,” Mark 12:42, 43.

Captain Levy, a believer from Philadelphia, was once asked how he could give so much to the Lord’s work and still possess great wealth. The Captain replied, “Oh, as I shovel it out, He shovels it in, and the Lord has a bigger shovel.”

As Jesus and His disciples gathered on the porch of the Temple, Jesus took note of those bringing their offerings. There were many who would loudly and prominently drop their significant offerings into the Temple offering box. Meanwhile, this simple and meek widow quietly and sheepishly slipped her offering in hoping nobody would notice her.Jesus revealed to the disciples, and all who would read this text, that this widow had given more than all the wealthy contributors on that day. You see, the wealthy donors simply gave a portion of their wealth and did so in an obnoxious manner to be noticed. This humble widow gave all that she had and did so in meekness and quite possibly shame.

God’s Word teaches us that our financial offerings to the Lord are not about the dollar amount. Rather, they are about the amount of sacrifice and obedience which they represent. God’s Word also teaches us to give willingly and cheerfully because God loves cheerful givers. We cannot give in a public display and expect God to honor our gift. We also cannot give without sacrifice and expect God to honor our gift.

FINAL THOUGHT: God honors cheerful and obedient offerings from His children.

Steven Ridings