Jesus Honors Sacrifice

I tell you the truth, he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."  

(Luke 21:3, 4)

Sacrifice is a difficult word for most of us to really understand. In our culture of plenty, we have been able to do it all. We have given to charity and we have purchased that new car. We have given time to volunteer and we have gone to the movies. We have helped a neighbor and watched the football game.

Jesus showed His eternal value system when He lifted up the widow and her small gift. He knew that the others gave out of their abundance, but she gave out of her poverty. So when He saw someone give sacrificially, He honored it. Eternally, Jesus was trying to show His disciples and others that the offering is valued based on the loyalties of the heart.

When we give a half-hour to volunteer and rush home to watch the football game, we have revealed our loyalties. That gift of service was cheap because it did not require us to give up anything. But if we give up watching our favorite television program because a friend needs to talk, then we have sacrificed something, and Jesus confirms our service as an act of worship.

How has God challenged you to sacrifice for your faith?

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"God knows our situation; He will not judge us as if we had no difficulties to overcome. What matters is the sincerity and perseverance of our will to overcome them." --C.S. Lewis

 

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