Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw!
Mark 12:44”for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."
I have seen well educated people argue with vendors over silly things; during my train travel, I watched a middle aged man sitting next to me pick up a quarrel with a vendor selling coffee and demanded him for a full cup of coffee for five rupees. The vendor refused but the man persistently argued; how astutely smart are we when it comes to stuff that we have purchased but do we ever pause to think how much we owe God?
During the first week of this month, I feel it is my duty to turn your eyes to God who has rocked you, comforted you and taken care of you thus far. It’s time to give your offerings to God! Look what the Bible says: ‘Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury…!’ (Mark 12:41) Yes, He is watching you! He is concerned about how we handle our money! Remember, it is not your money, every penny belongs to Him! Each time you splurge, each time you are tempted to slug that credit card in a shopping mall, pause and think – should I spend this amount?
Coming back to the subject, God watched the widow put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny and instantly Jesus knew that she had emptied her pocket – she gave her everything. Friend, more than what you put in the offering bag, what remains back in the wallet is also noted by God! Some ask me, ‘how much should I tithe?’ ‘Should I give from gross income or take home salary?’ This question is like fighting for a cup of coffee! Silly! Give abundantly, not grudgingly but cheerfully! Apostle Paul said: “let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) I guess God saw the twinkle in the eyes of the widow as she put all that she had! He saw her heart! God was so thrilled that he called his disciples immediately and said, ‘look, look ..how much she loves me!’ If you love Him much, you would give Him much! Jesus said: ‘she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood!’ The widow trusted God to take care of her! Are you listening? Set aside offerings for God as soon as you receive your salary and bless the people who are building the Kingdom of God! Are you there?
Many Christians give something called ‘subscription’ to the church, which in other words mean ‘membership fees’, which would be somewhere around hundred rupees or so; even as I type this, my eyes well up. How callous are we! Many don’t even think of offerings for God and a huge gamut of Christian population do not tithe. No wonder their life is in a mess! How content are we with throwing in a couple of hundreds into the offering bag while the thousands are kept back for the electronic gadgets. Hijacked by greed, the money is squandered without a penny left for God. This message comes with a caveat to set right your attitude towards money! Unfettered desires would ruin you! This is God's money. God should get the first fruits from it. Your money belongs to God! All of it belongs to Him! Amen. More than teaching your kids computer skills teach them the importance of tithe and offerings.
Prosperity and financial healing would never come unless your spiritual life is straightened and amended!
