Wow! Such extravagant, abundant giving and all wrapped up in just two small coins! It wasnt much, but it was everything she had. So it was a lavish gift indeed. This widow made herself literally dependent on Gods care and provision for her life. Her offering probably seemed inconsequential to most of the people at the Temple that day. But somehow Jesus noticed it, and it delighted his heart immensely. He could see that this was the absolute best she could do, and that always pleases the Lord.
What have you given the Lord lately? Dont worry if its not a lot. Remember: None of us could adequately repay him for the gift of our lives, our salvation, and his indwelling Holy Spirit. Nothing, that is, but our love and adoration, offered to him in whatever ways we can. God isnt looking for massive amounts of time that we dont have. He isnt keeping an account of our cash to see if we are giving all that we have. What he really wants is our hearts.
So even if you cant get out of the house or if youre locked up in prison, even if youre deployed to the remotest Afghan outpost or working two jobs to make ends meet, dont fret! Give what you can to the Lord. If its five uninterrupted minutes for prayer, give it to him. If you have only a couple of minutes to read Scripture or only a trifle for the collection basket, give it to him. If its simply lifting your thoughts to him as you go through your demanding day, give it to him.
It may look like two small coins, but God rejoices over everything we give from the heart. We are created to love God with everything we have. The rest what we do and what we give flows from that love. For each of us, every day, what it looks like is different. A little bit, given with love, delights the Lord and is far better in his sight than a lot given begrudgingly.
Jesus, I love you. Take my heart today, despite all its shortcomings. Its the best thing I have to offer you.
Daniel 1:1-6,8-20; (Psalm) Daniel 3:52-56