My message will be based on the Gospel for this Sunday which is Mark 12:38-44. This text will form the basis for my fall stewardship message. We have these words in our reading:
"He (Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"
Mark 12:42-44
We would admire the sacrifice that this widow makes. After all, she could have kept one coin for herself. No, she gave everything. It would be interesting here to reflect on what motivated her to do so. Was she especially grateful at the moment for a blessing? Was she trying to make up for past contributions that were missed for the temple? Whatever it was, Jesus took the time to give attention to her. She gave her all.
You and I may not be in a position to give everything we have to the church, yet we can think of the what it might be like to give a little extra if the church needed additional funds. Also, in thinking about stewardship, it goes beyond money. We would think of how we use our skills and our time and how we might sacrifice in these areas to help someone else. Might there not come a time when we would be moved to give our "all" for the sake of a cause.
I would ask you to reflect on these words for worship this Sunday and may your reflection and worship be a blessing to you!
Pastor Marty
"He (Jesus) sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"
Mark 12:42-44
We would admire the sacrifice that this widow makes. After all, she could have kept one coin for herself. No, she gave everything. It would be interesting here to reflect on what motivated her to do so. Was she especially grateful at the moment for a blessing? Was she trying to make up for past contributions that were missed for the temple? Whatever it was, Jesus took the time to give attention to her. She gave her all.
You and I may not be in a position to give everything we have to the church, yet we can think of the what it might be like to give a little extra if the church needed additional funds. Also, in thinking about stewardship, it goes beyond money. We would think of how we use our skills and our time and how we might sacrifice in these areas to help someone else. Might there not come a time when we would be moved to give our "all" for the sake of a cause.
I would ask you to reflect on these words for worship this Sunday and may your reflection and worship be a blessing to you!
Pastor Marty
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