Mark 12:41-44

Devotional for Tuesday, 7/26/11

And Jesus sat over against the treasury,

and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury:

and many that were rich cast in much .

Devotional for Tuesday, July 26, 210And there came a certain poor widow,

and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them,

Verily I say unto you,

That this poor widow hath cast more in,

than all they which have cast into the treasury:

For all they did cast in of their abundance;

 but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

Mark 12: 41-44

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Many people were putting great sums of money into the treasury. Christ does not condemn them for giving so much, but He makes an insightful observation on the human condition. These people gave much because they had much from which they could give. Note that He is not even saying that they gave their donations in a wrong attitude. Their effort, however, was probably not very great, especially since they were not experiencing financial hardship.

Nevertheless, He makes the point that the widow gave all that she had. Whether from the perspective of the size of her gift, the attitude behind it, or even how insignificant the amount might seem, the widow took her responsibility very seriously. Actually, she was putting her life on the line! It takes tremendous effort to trust God's promises to provide for one's needs.

We should compare this to our situation in the church. We were once part of a work that we could readily see as being viable, sizeable, and economically sound. We could see just how much we were accomplishing from the size of our holy day offerings and number of television and radio stations the church's program played on. Yet, if we look at what has occurred, we quickly realize how money alone did not solve our problems. All the money and effort we expended, while not totally for naught, did not produce the spiritual results God is looking for. God is the One who determines the success of His people, not us or our money or our efforts. Our part is to strive to follow His lead.

submitted by : Annie