April 1, 2010, Luke 21

Key Verse:

For they all (the rich) gave out of their abundance (their Surplus); but she has contributed out of her lack and her want, putting in all that she had on which to live.

(Luke 21:4)

Central Truth:

God wants us to give sacrificially.

IS IT YOU OR A TIP IN THE JAR?

The beginning of this text has a small life lesson, and it can be easy to gloss over as you think you completely understand it. I know. That’s what I did when I first read it.

Jesus sees the elites coming in and giving their offerings to the temple, and I’m sure their offerings varied in amounts. Some were proud of the way their coins sounded as they caused the buckets to ring. Others just tossed it in, not really thinking of the significance of their gift. Then there was this poor widow, who had thoroughly thought about what she was able to offer. She probably had some doubts as to the wisdom of dropping so much in, considering she was really pressed financially to afford the necessities like food and clothing.

You see, the rich were giving out of their surplus. It was not a sacrifice. It was safe. It was comfortable, and it felt good. For the widow, it was none of those things. It was a huge sacrifice. She was looking at possibly going hungry because she gave so much. It was risky. She might have been unable to pay her taxes the next time the collector came by. It was scary to give what she did, and I bet she walked into the temple a little nervous knowing she had possibly given away her food for tomorrow.

God wants us to be “all in” when we give. I don’t think that means he wants us to sell our house and give the proceeds to the poor. He has provided that house for me (and you) to use. But he does want us to give in a way that is sacrificial. What better way can He show his faithfulness to us than when we rely heavily on him. Whether it is time, finances, or abilities, our giving should be done whole-heartedly. In racing we call it WOT. It means “wide open throttle.” Do you do “church” or do you do church “WOT”? I bet, if you’re doing church “WOT,” God is revealing his character to you in new ways all the time. If you are going through life wondering if God will give you one of those "Ah Ha!" moments, try opening up the throttle.