Mark 12
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. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44
How much do you give to God?…(pause and reflect on this question)
Most of us, I assume, think immediately of money. The passage above leads us to this too. But in the context of Mark 12 its way more than money. It’s the giving of ourselves in full. In the same chapter we hear, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (verse 29-30)
This account is about our money and what we give, but it’s also about so much more. It’s about what we give, surrender and devote to Him. Heart, Soul, Mind and Strength means everything we are and do. The modern life of faith often means we give sections of our lives, Sundays, bible studies and our kids’ youth groups. But what God requires, DESERVES, is way more. As our Creator, Sustainer, Saviour He deserves more glory and honour. He deserves more time…time in thought, word and action. How much of these things do we give to God?
Pause again…As you walk, talk, work, parent, friend, husband, wife, carer, do you do all for the love of God?
Prayer: Lord, help us. Lord, guide us. Lord, forgive us. Lord empower us by Your Holy Spirit to love and serve You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Amen.