Today’s Reflection: Mark 12:44 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.
And here, my friends, is an example of the kind of giving that catches the attention of Christ Himself! You see, Christ knew all about what a sacrificial gift looked like. This poor widow couldn’t even come close to giving as much as others who had come in before her, as far as economic value was concerned; however, they could not even come close to giving as much as her, as far as eternal value was concerned! I would note that Christ was not necessarily criticizing those who gave out of their abundance, but what he was doing was complimenting the poor widow lady whose gift cost her more than she could economically afford at the time. Who do you suppose received a greater Heavenly reward for giving that day? Yea, no doubt this poor lady did. Isn’t it amazing how Christ so often uses the base things of this world, and things which are despised…and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are (see 1 Cor. 1:28)? He uses what is possibly the weakest among society, a poor widow lady, to teach us what true sacrificial giving is really all about. Christ said of her, that “she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living”. The truth was, the only way she could possibly give, was to give out of her want; in other words, out of that which she desperately needed. So she had two choices; either clinch tight to what meager supply she had in hopes to survive a little longer, or give it to God and trust Him to supply her need. She chose the latter, and thank God she did! This kind of faith-filled giving should inspire, and even put to shame, a lot of us who’s giving comes easy and without much sacrifice at all. It’s easy to give when it fits into your budget, but it’s a whole new level of giving when you’re so broke that there is no budget! When it’s “Do I eat today?” or “Do I give today?”, the test is truly on. And this lady passed the test with flying colors. We know this because she held nothing back for herself. Christ said she cast in all that she had, even all her living. That means everything by which her life was sustained was just placed into the hands of the giver of life with unwavering faith, sacrifice, and commitment. Wow! What an example! I am personally challenged to re-evaluate my giving habits and attitudes. I want to be able to give like this lady did, without any reservation or hesitation, knowing that any temporary pain and sacrifice will be noted and rewarded by God! What about you?
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Floodgates of Heaven, Volume 2, Entry 70 of 365
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copyright © by Gary D. Caudill
