“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 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
Last night, I sat at dinner with a group of Methodist pastors. These are folks in a Course of Study program rather than the traditional master’s seminary path. Many either ran from ministry early on or received a call later in life. They are meeting the necessary requirements for ordination within the Global Methodist Church.
I share this because many are not taking the traditional path to ministry, and some do not even feel qualified to be in pulpits. One of them said, “I’m nothing special, it’s just me!” But in truth, this is exactly what God is looking for in the service of the Kingdom—someone with complete dependence upon His strength and not on our own merits.
This reminds me of the widow’s mite. It’s a famous story we’ve heard so many times. She put in a little, but it was more than all the others because, as Jesus said, “they gave out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty.” The rich were pouring in money to the temple treasury, but this widow gave two very small copper coins, “all she had to live on.”
In life and ministry, God wants us to give all we have to Him, knowing that it’s not the amount of the gift that matters, but the heart within the giver. Just like the widow, these soon-to-be ordained Methodist pastors who are working on taking classes to prepare them for service are giving everything they have. They are juggling a church, perhaps another secular job, families, mortgages, and sometimes not feeling worthy to serve the Kingdom. What Jesus says to them is, “you gave out of your poverty for the riches of the Kingdom.”
God will receive all that we have to offer but will we offer our all to His service?
“O Lord God, I thank you for loving me. Even when I am alone, you are near. Even when I am in the steady flow of serving, building, creating—you are filling me with your Spirit. And yet, I am a sinner saved by grace. I desire to know and walk with you and for you to fill me up. Come now, Holy Spirit, help me find my strength in your Spirit and to know and love your Word. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen