Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
When you understand the terrifying predicament that many widows found themselves in during ancient Bible times, you will have a new appreciation for the story of the Widow’s Mite.
The loss of a husband was often a tremendous social and economic tragedy. Once the main source of her financial support was lost, the widow often fell in debt, poverty and desolation.
If the widow had the misfortune of not having any grown children or close relatives that could or would assist her, her situation was very vulnerable to unscrupulous deceivers and swindlers.
Thankfully, God’s heart is one that yearns for widows. God specifically commanded the children of Israel to care for widows, and issued harsh consequences for their neglect if they called out to Him in distress (Ex. 22:22-24). God even identified himself as the defender of the widow (Ps. 68:5).
The Bible has many references concerning widows and several accounts of God’s supernatural provision. Certainly the Book of Ruth is a classic story of God’s compassion to the Moabite, Ruth and her mother in law, Naomi.
Both Elijah (I Kings 17) and Elisha (II Kings 4), mighty prophets of God, were instrumental in miracle deliverances for widows. Even Jesus, as he hung on the cross, gave his last command to John to care of his mother, a widow.
In particular, Jesus singled out the scribes, the religious lawyers of that era for special condemnation. Just a few verses before the biblical accounts of the widow’s offering (in Mark 12 and Luke 21), Jesus openly exposes the scribes for their love of being noticed and for “devouring widows’ houses”.
Scribes were not supported by the Temple treasury and therefore solicited funds from donors. Because the scribes had the authority to draw up legal documents, such as deeds, they were deceiving vulnerable widows into signing over their private property, including their homes with empty promises that they would be taken care of.
Although scripture doesn’t specifically say the poor widow was a victim of the scribes, one can surmise that certainly could have been the case.
The story of the poor widow offering her last two tiny coins to God is a lot more than just a story of self-sacrifice. This poor Jewish widow, must certainly have been aware of the numerous accounts in the Holy Scriptures of how God supernaturally defended and provided for widows, including Gentile widows.
The widow’s offering was a tremendous act of faith, trusting Jehovah Jireh, her provider.
I like to imagine how the Lord, who witnessed firsthand the widow’s act of faith may have sustained her. Did she perhaps meet a handsome “Boaz” on her way home from the Temple? Maybe she returned home and discovered the clay jar from which she had withdrawn her last two coins was now full of silver and gold coins.
I believe that we can be assured that our Lord and Savior Jesus did not forsake her.
*Ten percent of all ABC profits go to widow's relief ministries. <><
Copyright © 2023 The Greatest Gift - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder