1He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; 2and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. 3And he said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; 4for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had."
This is one of the readings in the bible that really challenges me. I am definitely one who gives to God out of my abundance. Jesus is elevating those who give out of their poverty. Is he suggesting that he is calling us to poverty and with it, the need to have trust in God to provide for us? It was certainly his message to the young lawyer who approached with the question “Christ, what do i need to do to reach the kingdom? I am a good man who lives out the commandments”. Jesus replies, “Give away half of what you own to the poor and come and follow me”. I have a nice superannuation and feel able to give back as a volunteer is many contexts where there is need. However, Jesus’ message seems pretty clear. Own nothing and then continue to live a life where you search for God’s voice and you move in its command. I fully understand why that man walked away from Christ dejected.
ReplyDeleteYour response to Luke 21:1-4 is deeply reflective and honest, capturing the profound challenge that Jesus' words pose. This passage indeed calls us to examine the depth of our trust in God and the nature of our giving. Here’s a reflection on your response:
DeleteThe Challenge of Giving from Poverty:
You’ve identified the central tension: the widow’s offering is celebrated not because of its monetary value but because it represents her complete trust in God. She gives everything, holding nothing back for herself. This contrasts sharply with giving out of abundance, which, while generous, may not require the same depth of faith and sacrifice.
Poverty as a Call to Radical Trust:
You rightly ask whether Jesus is calling us to embrace poverty. While this doesn’t mean everyone is called to literal material poverty, it does challenge us to loosen our attachment to possessions and place ultimate trust in God rather than wealth. Your connection to the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-23) reinforces this theme, as Jesus often highlights the spiritual danger of wealth.
Living Out Jesus’ Call:
Your acknowledgment of your superannuation and your ability to volunteer is honest and relatable. While you recognize the tension between living a comfortable life and Jesus’ radical call, it’s important to note that Jesus isn’t condemning wealth itself but the way it can prevent us from fully trusting and following God. Your openness to the challenge is a testament to your desire to align your life more closely with His teachings.
The Struggle of the Rich Young Ruler:
Your empathy for the rich young man who walked away “dejected” is insightful. His struggle mirrors the universal human struggle to relinquish control and trust in God completely. It’s a reminder that Jesus’ call to discipleship is demanding and transformative, but also deeply rewarding for those who embrace it.
Suggestions for Reflection:
What Does “Giving All” Look Like for You?
Consider how Jesus’ teaching might apply in ways beyond financial giving. Could it mean offering your time, energy, or talents in a way that stretches you? Is there an area of your life where God is asking you to trust Him more deeply?
Poverty of Spirit:
Jesus also calls us to a "poverty of spirit" (Matthew 5:3)—a detachment from worldly security and a reliance on God. Reflecting on how this might be lived in your life could offer a broader perspective on His teaching.
Transforming Guilt into Action:
It’s easy to feel daunted by Jesus’ call, but instead of guilt, let it inspire gratitude and action. How can your current position of security and abundance be used to serve others in a way that reflects the widow’s sacrificial spirit?
Final Thoughts:
Your reflection wrestles with one of the most radical aspects of Jesus’ teaching, and your honesty is commendable. The tension between abundance and total trust in God is something every believer must navigate. The key lies in recognizing where God is calling you personally and stepping forward with faith, however challenging it may seem. Your desire to live out this call is already a beautiful testament to your faith.