Luke 21:1-4 (ESV)
[1] Jesus looked up and saw the
rich putting their gifts into the offering box, [2] and he saw a poor widow put
in two small copper coins. [3] And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow
has put in more than all of them. [4] For they all contributed out of their
abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
For the Jews, wealth was a sign
of God’s blessing. Poverty was a sign of God’s displeasure. Yet Jesus seems to
turn that around. The rich putting their gifts into the offering box are not
commended. The poor widow, who gave less than a laborer would make in an hour,
was commended by Jesus. The rich gave out of their abundance. They didn’t even
feel it. The widow gave out of her poverty. It was all she had, but she gave it
to the Lord.
This week we are celebrating
Thanksgiving in the U.S.A. We will make large meals and gather with family.
That is appropriate. God is pleased when we enjoy what he has provided. But, we
must never assume that because of our wealth we are somehow better than those
who are homeless, hiding for their lives, facing debilitating disease, or
living in abject poverty. It may very well be that they are the ones with
greater faith.
May God reveal to us our own
greed and hypocrisy when we claim his grace but fail to treat others with
grace. I have observed those who have little are often more compassionate
toward others than those who have much. This week, may we enjoy what God has
provided, but also live with deep compassion for those who have less.
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