Today’s Reading: Job 23; Job 24; Mark 11; Mark 12
Scripture: Mark 12:41-44
41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."
Observation: Once again, we see Jesus showing us deep truth of the Kingdom. According to God, the widow put the most into the offering.
Application: We are so controlled by the physical realm that it is difficult to think outside the material box. But Jesus helps us. He points out that God looks on the heart. Of course, we cannot look on the heart of others. So how does this help us? Two ways. First, we can look at our own hearts and do everything possible to make sure our motivation is pure. And second, this helps us to remember that what we can see can be very misleading. This helps us not to be judgmental. It does not mean we shouldn't make judgments based on people's behavior, but it means that we should be hold those judgments lightly and be open to alternative interpretations of their actions. And we should be especially open to the voice of the Spirit as it gives us discernment regarding another's heart or motivation.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are not swayed by PR. You see what is really going on in the heart. I want to be like this widow and give You my all. Help me to lay it all down at Your feet.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
1 comment:
I especially like your observation that we need to hold our judgments of others lightly.
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