July 25, 2022

Passage Read: Mark 11-12
Meditation Verses: 12:43-44

Thought

It is not the amount of money that we give to the Lord that matters to Him, but the cost to us that matters to Him. To give out of our abundance costs us nothing and requires no faith in Him. But to give what we need to live on, that requires faith in God, that He will indeed supply our need in spite of us giving away what we needed. This widow gave all she had, so either she still has some food at home and knew that she could get more money somehow, or she knew someone would provide what she needed to live. Or she was willing to go hungry for a time. But she trusted that in giving away the last of her money, the Lord would still take care of her need.

Application

It helps too to lower our expectations. Jesus promised to supply what we needed, not all we wanted, if we sought first His kingdom and His righteousness. He never said we'd become rich serving Him, but that we'd have food and clothing. Am I willing to live on less and less, to live more simply? Do I care more about pleasing God or holding onto my money? Do I care more about my earthly retirement or my heavenly retirement?