Thought for March 21, 2024

•  1349: Black Death riots in Erfurt Germany kill many Jews
• 1844: Original date predicted by William Miller for the return of Christ and end of the world.--Missed it
• 1871: Henry Morton Stanley begins his expedition to Africa
• 1943: Assassination attempt on Hitler fails
• 1961: The Beatles first appearance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool; Art Modell buys the Cleveland Browns for $3.925 million
• 1963: Alcatraz closes
• 1965: MLK begins his march from Selma to Montgomery
• 1980: "Dallas" season ends with JR shot by unknown assailant
• 2006: First "tweet" sent by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey
• 2014: Russia annexes Crimea
• Born: Matthew Broderick, Gary Oldman, Rosie O'Donnell
• Died: Pocahontas, Willis Reed, Robert Preston ["Music Man"]

Thought:

Continuing with Passion Week lessons today and looking at Luke 21:1-4. The story of the widow's mite is very familiar. I am struck by the context as I read again today. Look at 20:45-47. Jesus has responded to questions about His authority [20:1-8], shared a parable about judgment [20:9-18] in which He directly points a finger at the scribes and chief priests, and assured everyone that there is life after death [20:27-40].  These teachings have claimed His authority to speak and teach the truth, warned that there is a judgment and urged everyone to render to God that which is God's. Turning to His disciples He warns about those who externally want to give the appearance of righteousness, but in reality devour widow's houses [20:45-47]. These are the same men who have been posing the questions. 

Now Jesus sees the rich [those trying to give the appearance of righteousness] making their gifts and a poor widow giving her two small copper coins. Interesting how this visual aide comes at exactly the right time to demonstrate what Jesus has said in 20:45-47. The offerings were collected in fluted receptacles near the Temple entrance. I can see the wealthy slowly dropping golden coins into the metal containers making a certain tinkling sound. Everyone could hear what they were giving. Then the widow comes. How did they know she was a poor widow? How she was dressed? Or maybe she was known to the disciples. She has two little coins made of copper. When dropped in the metal container, they would make a totally different sound. Everyone could tell she was putting in something small. 

Interesting how we look on the outward appearance, but Jesus looks at our hearts. The people saw and heard generous, wealthy donors and a poor widow giving a very little. But what did Jesus see and hear? He saw someone giving out of their excess, the leftovers, the extra. He saw and heard someone giving their all, trusting God for their future and their daily bread. His assessment---she gave more than any of them. Now, I have to look at Larry's life. Do I bring to Jesus the extra or do I put everything on the table? Do I see what I have [time, talents, money] as mine or His? Do I judge the righteousness of others by what they give or what they sacrifice? Most importantly, when I bring my offerings of time, talent and money, what does Jesus see and hear? A cheerful giver or someone trying to purchase righteousness only He can provide? 

I've got work to do. What about you?

Blessings

Larry