The finding of a perfect gift is an art and a skill. Hitting on something that is appropriate both for the occasion and the recipient, something that captures the mood and the sentiment.
A Widow’s Offering
41 Jesus was sitting in the temple near the offering box and watching people put in their gifts. He noticed that many rich people were giving a lot of money. 42 Finally, a poor widow came up and put in two coins that were worth only a few pennies. 43 Jesus told his disciples to gather around him. Then he said:
I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 44 Everyone else gave what they didn’t need. But she is very poor and gave everything she had. Now she doesn’t have a cent to live on.
So what is our response to God?
As this series of Lent and Easter readings draws towards its close, how do we respond?
We have seen the new thing God is doing come to fruition in all that Jesus taught and lived, in his death on the cross, and in his rising again to life. What does that mean to us? How will we live from now on? What do we have to give to him? We cannot begin to match the offering he has made, but we can bring all that we have – all that we are to him, and offer it back.
This woman gave not what she had to spare, but everything she had – because God was worth it.
Consider today what you are going to do, what are you going to give, to the God who gave his all for you.
Lord,
when I thank on all that you have done for me,
I have nothing that can offer
that begins to match it.
So,
as I come today,
I offer you
all that I have,
all that I am,
and all that I can be.
I pray that you take it,
and can use me,
in the new thing you are doing
This year, I am again following the BigRead using Tom Wright’s Lent for Everyone – Mark. I’ll reflect here – if you’re following it too, or even if you’re not, please share with me.
