"A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny" (Mark 12:42).
The widow Jesus observed at the temple gave God 2 small copper coins. By most measuring sticks, her offering didn't amount to much. Be she gave everything she had. She rightly recognized that her whole life depended entirely on God, and her gift reflected her confession of faith in the Lord.
God is not concerned about the amount of our offerings. He is concerned with how our gifts to Him reflect our faith in who He is and what He means to us. Too often, our offerings are an afterthought, not a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Instead of filling the church offering envelope with our first fruits, its always tempting to give to God from whatever is left over after bill paying and entertainment expenses.
Jesus sacrificed Himself fully for us so that we might live fully for Him. He knew that our salvation would cost His horrible suffering and death. We can never repay Him for what He's done for humanity, we can only offer Him symbols of our love and gratitude.
Rising from the Easter tomb, Jesus guaranteed that we are free from the powers of sin, death, and the devil. He freed us to serve Him through others and support His work on earth.
How are we motivated to give Him our first fruits? We ask ourselves, "Do I have confidence in the work of my congregation and ministry?" "Will the Lord continue to provide for my family if I financially support His work on earth?" "Does everything I have, belong to Him?" "Do others need the work of the Lord in their lives?"
Whether it's 1 penny or 1 million dollars, our love and gratitude for our personal salvation and the salvation and instruction of many others prompts us to freely give Him our time, talent, and treasure.
-Dale
