"There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches." (Proverbs 13:7)

The Bible has such a marvelous way of turning its spotlight on a seemingly insignificant event or unknown person to teach us a timeless lesson. Mark 12:41-44 is one instance of this. It's as if the action freezes while God says, "Attention! I want you to see this."

FACES IN THE CROWD

That day in the Temple Jesus sat to one side, observing the crowd as they walked past the collection box. The Bible doesn't say, but let's imagine the thoughts of those present that day.

A rich businessman, puffed up with importance, seemed to be saying, "Look at me and all that I am giving to God." On his way out he brushed past a man carefully counting out his coins. His attitude said, "I'm giving, but don't expect me to enjoy it." Almost on the heels of those ahead, another man rushed up, impatience visible on his face. He hurried to get his religious duty out of the way so he could carry on with his important schedule.

As they each came, caught up in their own little world, the Lord watched and grew sad by the attitudes He perceived. Then, His heart leaped. He noticed something different.

THE WIDOW

Almost lost in the crowd and unobserved by all but Jesus, a poor widow slowly made her way forward. Humbly, reverently, perhaps even ashamed that she had only two pennies to give, she quickly put in her coins and quietly left. She did not want to draw attention to herself.

Just as quickly as she moved into that heavenly spotlight, she disappeared. She never knew that she would become an object lesson for centuries to come. She came in obscurity and left the same way. Only the disciples who accompanied Jesus that day were even aware of her small moment in history.

What did Jesus see that others missed? We would probably say her giving. After all, the passage speaks of money for the treasury. But perhaps Jesus wanted us to understand a far greater lesson. This poor widow showed extravagant - even reckless - faith. She gave her all with complete abandon.

Or was it overwhelming love? A love so deep she was willing to embarrass herself to express her adoration. A love so deep that it was worth every cent she possessed. Or did Jesus see absolute devotion? Reverence. Worship. Humility. Perhaps the Lord wanted us to see all these things shining through the life of this poor widow.

DISCERNING THE IMPORTANT

Today we would say she had her priorities straight. She understood what was most important in her life and deemed it worthy of everything she had - down to the last cent. No one forced this woman to give all her money. She gave willingly. Such extreme love can only be offered from the heart. We have the power to choose this kind of love.

Perhaps it is time to ask ourselves, "What is the one thing in my life that is worth everything I own?" Is there anything that would compel me to willingly empty my bank accounts down to the last cent? Hopefully, my devotion to God would provoke this same reckless faith. But the Lord isn't interested in my money. All He wants is my heart.

The paradox of the gospel is the more of ourselves we give away, the more we have.

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:24).

Are we willing to love God with that same complete abandonment?

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk