EXTRAVAGANT GIVING

fineartamerica

DEVOTIONAL
TEXT: MARK 12:41-42

"So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury'" Mark 12:41

I have a confession to make. Whenever it is time to give an offering in church, I always want to give God the highest denomination but after looking at the denominations in my purse, calculating how much will be left after giving and thinking of all the things I will like to do with the remaining amount, I end up giving below my expectation.  But when it comes to buying things for myself, I do not calculate and rationalize like this. I just spend.

Jesus sat across the offering box in the temple one day observing how people put money into it.  The rich ones put in much. But that did not impress Jesus. Strange enough Jesus was impressed only by a poor widow who gave just two mites (two cents) How on earth could Jesus be impressed with just two mites against the big amount given by the rich? The answer is in verse 42:

”All the others gave what they’ll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford –she gave her all.” MSG

So, to God, extravagant giving is sacrificial giving. It’s giving your all. This widow gave everything she has not minding her own needs but very mindful of the needs in the house of God. In other words, she trusted God completely with her finances.

There is this something very peculiar about God concerning offerings. Whatever you choose to give to God must be given in its totality. Without holding back anything. Whether you are offering your life, possession or money, He always wants EVERYTHING. He always wants our giving to reflect our ultimate dependence on Him. He always wants our BEST.

“But the king said to Araunah, “No. I’ve got to buy it from you for a good price; I’m not going to offer God, my God, sacrifices that are no sacrifice.  2 Samuel 24:24 MSG

David needed to buy Araunah’s threshing floor to build an altar so as for God to stop the plague in the land. Araunah wanted to offer it to the king at a low price but David knew better. Whatever goes to God must cost him something. God loves sacrificial givers. It's not about what you are giving but it's about giving God your best and also trusting him for all your need. If you cannot trust Him to meet your needs you cannot give him your all. It's all about faith in God.

If your offering is not touching you, don’t expect it to touch God. Let’s start giving sacrificially.

Prayer:
Lord, you are Jehovah Jireh, my provider. Help me trust you with my finances and all my needs in Jesus mighty name. Amen

Why do we easily spend money on ourselves and our needs but find it difficult to give to God?