Mighty Mites

Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:41-44

What strikes you as most significant about this story?

Is it the woman’s generosity?  Is it her obedience, as though she is somehow freed to give all?  Or, is it her selflessness?

Yes.  It is all these things and so much more.

We read in Scripture that God loves a cheerful giver rather than someone who gives out of a duty to do so.

2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."

So, what purposes in the heart of this woman do you think prompted her to give all that she had?

We read what Jesus does to magnify our gifts in insane exponential miracles.  He fed five thousand men plus women and children with just five loaves of bread and two small fish, as recorded in Matthew 14:17-21.  There were twelve baskets full of leftovers, besides!  And again, he fed four thousand men plus women and children with seven loaves and a few little fish, as recorded in Matthew 15:32-39, having seven baskets full of leftovers!  

Just think about that for a moment.  He has given us SO MUCH MORE than this!  Consider what He will do when we give it ALL to Him.  Immeasurably more than we could ever ask or imagine.

Yes, immeasurably more.

And we read that it is ALL HIS.  We are called to be stewards of His gifts and to steward His gifts well.  The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 gives us the account.  Note that verse 30 tells us what happens to the unprofitable servant, "And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

God is both kind and severe (Romans 11:22), and He means business when He teaches us about stewarding His gifts.

The heart of this widow is so extraordinarily, confoundingly beautiful that it cannot be overlooked.  She is widowed, so she has clearly known heartache and pain, yet her heart delights to give!  She gives everything, holding nothing back, indicating her heart is steadfast in its gratitude and grip on God.  He has proven Himself true through every triumph and tragedy, every celebration and nightmare.  He has held her hand in the darkness, and she has known His constant, abiding presence, His unfailing love, and she trusts Him.

Do you trust Him?

I can't wait to get to Heaven and understand what those two mighty mites built for God's Kingdom—and continue to build—for years to come.

What will you give?

Goodnight, Runners.