Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

4 November 2024

Reading From Matthew 23, Mark 20-21

“While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

 –Mark 21:1-3

     Those who are wealthy have far more disposable income than those who are struggling financially.  It is easier for the rich to give, as Jesus said, “a tiny part of their surplus” than it is for the poor to give what little they have.  When the poor give, it is a greater sacrifice.  From the perspective of worldly financial experts, the remarks of Jesus don’t seem to make a lot of sense.  The rich people gave far more monetarily than the poor widow.  How could He say that she gave more?  They gave out of their excess.  She gave out of her poverty. 

“Lord Jesus, I pray that You would change our hearts and minds about money.  Help us to see that it is not something to be hoarded, but to be shared with those in need.  I pray that You would bless Your sons and daughters financially so that families and friends would be well-provided for and that we would be liberated to give generously so that everyone has what they need and Your work can move forward upon the Earth.  In the Name of Jehovah Jireh I pray, Amen.”

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 –II Corinthians 9:6-7