Do you ever wonder how it is possible to catch God’s attention? Do you wish that God would intervene in your life? Do you need the strength of God? DO you want to know God more? Is it possible that there is something we can do that will catch the eye of God?
There is a story in Luke of a poor widow woman. “As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” ” (Luke 21:1–4, NIV) This woman caught the eye of Jesus because of her extravagant giving.
It was the amount that she gave, and yet is the amount that she gave. Het dollar thrown into the offering represented the last she had. She had given everything. I can only hear her thoughts as she prayed before giving. She might have told God that she loved Him. She might have wished she had more to give. She might not understand why her life was so hard but she was giving anyway.
Her giving was very important. It demonstrated her belief that God was real. It demonstrated her trust that God loved her. It demonstrated her belief that God’s commands were true and His promises were real.
She gave. Jesus noticed. Jesus noticed and took note so that now 2000 years later we celebrate and learn from the magnitude of her gift.
The Bible tells us “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9, NIV) God is searching constantly for someone who will take a step of faith and believe fully in Him. God is searching for a faith that is real, total and absolute.
The widows gift was significant because it demonstrated her faith. Not her faith that she would receive $100, but her faith that God was real and loved her. It demonstrated her love for God with no conditions and no strings attached.
Our giving does reflect the value we place on God.
I watch some people and they think nothing of spending $1000 to buy a new computer or to get a big screen TV. How many of those big spenders are big givers? How many have written a $1000 check to give to God? How many have taken the time to bless their pastor with a gift of significance?
It is a precious place we come to, when we can lay everything down and give it all.
