Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. - Mark 12:42-43 NLT
As I read the story in Mark 12 about the widow’s mite, I pondered about what it means to give out of your poverty.
In the most basic sense, poverty is the lack of something. I realize, even now there are some who have found themselves lacking financially as a result of Covid. However, financial poverty is not the only kind of poverty.
Some people are in emotional poverty because of loss of a relationship with a loved one. This could have happened through a divorce, or a death.
There are others who are in physical or mental poverty due to an illness or depression..
All of these factors can bring any one of us to a place of wanting…but God shows a different way.
When the Lord heard the news about the death of his cousin John the Baptist at the hands of King Herod, he immediately went to be alone and left on a boat to a quiet place.
When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. – Matthew 14:13
Jesus needing that alone time to grieve the loss of his cousin was totally understandable. We’ve all been in that position where we needed to just have our quiet moment after the death of a loved one.
What’s remarkable to me is how Jesus responded, when not a few people, but MULTITUDES followed Him on foot to the boat!
It’s out of our deficit that God will use us to bless others.
But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14
Jesus not only healed those who were among Him, but He ended up feeding thousands that day as well with just two fish and a couple of loaves from a little boy!
Talk about giving out of your poverty! It’s out of our deficit that God will use us to bless others.
The Lord gave us two great examples of what that looks like. The widow gave abundantly out of what she did NOT have. As a result, the Lord praised her giving and we’re still talking about it.
Although Jesus mourned the death of his cousin John the Baptist, He still was compassionate towards the multitudes who needed His healing touch.
Jesus met people’s needs where they were, be it emotionally, physically or spiritually.
The Lord can use any of us for His glory because it is He who gives the increase. He proved that by using the lunch of a little boy to feed thousands.
Your lack of X + your willingness to Y = your blessing and God’s glory.
What can you give you out of your poverty so that someone else can be blessed and God be glorified?
Be Encouraged!
Stephanie
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