Read Mark 12-14
Many churches report that giving during the pandemic has been exceptional. In fact, in most churches giving has actually increased while in-person attendance has declined significantly from a year ago. Some of that is attributed to online giving, which has proven to be a huge blessing. But the generosity is also a tribute to the spiritual maturity of a number of church members. Many have prioritized the Kingdom of God and given sacrificially even though times are tough.
Mark 12 records an incident when Jesus sat and watched people put their offerings into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts, and Jesus said nothing. But when a poor widow put in two very small copper coins – worth only a fraction of a penny – Jesus was impressed. He gathered his disciples and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything–all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)
One might expect Jesus to instruct the widow to keep her meager savings and use it for basic necessities. After all, her resources were so limited she could soon become a drain on her family. But the fact that Jesus praised her generosity teaches us that even when money is tight, everyone should give something and trust God to provide.
The prophet Elijah once asked a widow in Zarephath for something to eat when she had only enough food for one meal for her and her son. But Elijah urged her not to be afraid because God promised: “The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.” (1 Kings 17:4) When the woman shared what she had, miraculously, there was enough food every day for Elijah and the woman and her family.
Jesus was eating in the home of Simon the Leper when a woman came in with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume and poured the entire contents on Jesus’ head. “Some of those present were very critical of her saying, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” (Mark 14:4-5)
Jesus, however, reminded the critics that the poor were always present with them, but He wouldn’t be around much longer. Throughout history, this woman’s magnanimous deed would be remembered favorably because she anointed Jesus’ body prior to his burial. (Mark 14:1-8)
The second incident illustrates that when times are tough, the giving of the wealthy should occasionally be extravagant. Giving at least a tithe should be a regular practice, but sometimes those who have an abundance would be wise to break an alabaster jar and pour it out on someone who needs it. What good is that jar going to do if it’s kept on the shelf until you die? Think of the good it can accomplish right now!
I know a couple in their eighties who are worth millions. But their two sons and their families are really struggling at the moment in part due to the downturn in the economy. If that wealthy couple would just break one of their many alabaster jars and share it with their sons, it would be a welcome expression of love. And they would experience the joy of seeing it used in a positive way, their sons and families would be overwhelmed with gratitude, and the older couple would know the thrill of generosity before they die.
But it probably won’t happen because the saving mentality is so ingrained in their minds that they just can’t break the habit. Despite mortality facing them squarely in the face, they can’t bear the thought of sharing their vast savings. How sad…and how foolish.
When times are tough, those who have little should be generous and trust God to provide, while those who have much should be alert to those in need and allow God to use them to provide generously to others. And why not? God promises, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
.
Follow BobRussellKY on Twitter and LIKE the Bob Russell page on Facebook
