July 14, 2020
Jesus uses a teachable moment to highlight two
different ways of having “open hands.” He makes clear the way that He desires
for His followers to have open hands. As you study the story, allow it to speak
to you and listen for what God might be prompting in you.
STUDY THE SCRIPTURE
Click here to access the reading from Luke.21:1-4
For more help use this Bible
Study method
REFLECTION
Faith Sprinkled with Generosity
by Tom Richards
In preparing for this post I looked at some verses preceding
today’s reading. Jesus is in the temple with his disciples sitting in view of
the “treasury” where offering boxes were located. (This is certainly no
coincidence). He has responded to some “trick questions” from the Jewish
leaders and then speaking to his disciples while surrounding people were
listening, he says (Luke 2-:46-47) “Beware
of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love
to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the
synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses
and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.” The story of the widow’s offering then
follows.
Widow’s houses in verse 47 refers to goods and
substance. This statement provides some interesting background. The very people
who should have been setting an example and caring for widows were instead taking
their resources. Jesus is clearly not happy with this situation and states “Such men will be punished most severely.”
In addition, it is interesting to note that following the story of the widow’s
offering Jesus predicts the destruction of the temple, Luke 21:6 -- “As for what you see here, the time will come
when not one stone will be left on another, every one of them will be thrown
down.”
The widow shows incredible faith in God with her
giving, looking past circumstances and people that likely exacerbated her
situation. Her faith is ultimately in God, the one who made her, the one who
loves her, and the one who can save her.
When times are good it is easy for me to be faithful
and “give out of my wealth” but when adversity comes, I can struggle. The
widow’s faithfulness is a great example for me to follow during difficult times
– even times like these…
UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER
TUESDAY: TRUTH -
In the midst of all the messages being heard, pray for accurate information to
drown out false reporting and click-bait tactics.
