Devotionals for June 22, 2023
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READ
Luke 21:1-4
1 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.
2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.
4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
REFLECT
Today we look at yet another well known account from the Bible. Unlike the parables Jesus used to instruct his disciples, this took place in real time with real people. While many sermons and lessons have focused on her sacrificial giving, let’s take a slightly different look.
The rich were doing their duty, giving their tithes as commanded by God. There’s nothing wrong with tithing when there is a surplus. In fact, in my experience, tithing opens up the doors for God’s blessings to be pressed down, running over, and poured into my lap (Luke 6:38). It also allows for more to be given above the tithe. On the surface this could be one observance Jesus was pointing out.
Dig a little deeper into the widow’s actions. She did go way above the tithe and sacrificially so. She gave ALL SHE HAD. Think about that for a moment. She gave it all without any fanfare or pity seeking. It’s difficult to imagine that she was not enthusiastic about giving it all.
Comparing the widow to those we studied on Monday and Tuesday, the widow is a witness superstar. Her faith is God’s promise went to the extreme. The good kind of extreme. She followed in obedience and enthusiastically so. In modern metaphor, she went all in.
APPLY
Q: Did the widow let her standing in the community or lack of resources keep her from “going all in”?
Q: God may not ask you to give all your wealth, but what other resources might He call you to “give it all” ?
Q: Money can only go so far and accomplish so much. How will you approach the other needs people may have when bringing Jesus to them?
SING
“Promises” - Maverick City Music
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Jesus, do not let my sin stand between us. I beg for your forgiveness today and help me to be a better witness with those who may seek hurtful things against me by showing them Your grace.
READ
Luke 21:1-4
1 While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.
2 Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
3 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.
4 For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
REFLECT
Today we look at yet another well known account from the Bible. Unlike the parables Jesus used to instruct his disciples, this took place in real time with real people. While many sermons and lessons have focused on her sacrificial giving, let’s take a slightly different look.
The rich were doing their duty, giving their tithes as commanded by God. There’s nothing wrong with tithing when there is a surplus. In fact, in my experience, tithing opens up the doors for God’s blessings to be pressed down, running over, and poured into my lap (Luke 6:38). It also allows for more to be given above the tithe. On the surface this could be one observance Jesus was pointing out.
Dig a little deeper into the widow’s actions. She did go way above the tithe and sacrificially so. She gave ALL SHE HAD. Think about that for a moment. She gave it all without any fanfare or pity seeking. It’s difficult to imagine that she was not enthusiastic about giving it all.
Comparing the widow to those we studied on Monday and Tuesday, the widow is a witness superstar. Her faith is God’s promise went to the extreme. The good kind of extreme. She followed in obedience and enthusiastically so. In modern metaphor, she went all in.
APPLY
Q: Did the widow let her standing in the community or lack of resources keep her from “going all in”?
Q: God may not ask you to give all your wealth, but what other resources might He call you to “give it all” ?
Q: Money can only go so far and accomplish so much. How will you approach the other needs people may have when bringing Jesus to them?
SING
“Promises” - Maverick City Music
PRAY
"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Jesus, do not let my sin stand between us. I beg for your forgiveness today and help me to be a better witness with those who may seek hurtful things against me by showing them Your grace.