by Rev Steve Nickodemus

Do Not Despise Humble Beginnings!

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“Truly I tell you,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.”
Luke 21:3

Helen, one of the widows at our church, had found two pennies while she was out walking.  I could not resist taking her picture as she brought them to the worship service to place in the offering.  I told her that she reminded me of Jesus’ words when he saw the rich putting in large sums of money into the temple treasury, and a poor widow putting in two very small copper coins. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others.”

Perhaps you feel that you have little to offer Jesus in service to Him.  You may have little wealth, little speaking ability, little influence in this world.

But Jesus does not look on the outward appearance.  He sees the heart.  He is not impressed by the size of the gift, but by the commitment to Him.  He said in comparing the rich and the widow’s offerings, “All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

Do not despise small gifts and humble beginnings.  A lad with five loaves and two fish fed over five thousand people when it was offered freely to Jesus.  David, the great king of Israel, was just a shepherd boy, the youngest of eight brothers, but God used him because his heart followed after the Lord.  The Savior of the universe came as a baby born in a manger!

God loves small gifts given with great hearts.  He values you not by the size of your gifts or talents, but by your devotion to Him.  Jesus sees  humble hearts and uses small gifts for great things in His kingdom!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado