Ruminating in the Word of God: What did the widow see?

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing,
majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of
him and what came to my mind and heart in Luke 21:4,

"All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of
her poverty put in all she had to live on."

This is the Lord's observation of the poor widow who gave all she had
out of her poverty, a modest offering of two copper coins. The
longstanding thought that has come to my mind over the years, of
course, is the dedication, the devotion and the love expressed by this
widow for the Lord as she gave to the temple treasury. How does my
ardor for the Lord, my love of him compare to such an expression as
this, someone giving all they have out of their poverty? Do I have
that kind of love in my heart for my Lord? do I have that kind of
devotion, that, although in need, I might give all I have to him? I
suspect we have all had these kinds of thoughts as we have
contemplated the account.

What has become fascinating to me about this passage over time is what
did this widow see in the Lord? Why did she feel compelled to give all
she had as a poor widow? Was it she found the Lord faithful in her
life that she knew she could always trust in his provision? Was it
that she found a contentment in a closer relationship with him, a
contentment that did not require the trappings this earthly life has
to offer? Was it that she found within the Lord a beauty, a splendor
of such a breathtaking nature, that prompted her to give as she did?

What was it she saw in the Lord? Was it because as a widow, and
possibly elderly, that she had placed all of her hope and expectations
in the Lord who has promised us so much in the resurrection? Was there
a thrill and excitement of being in proximity to the Lord in her act
of giving, that she found her life rejuvenated, enriched, energized?

Widow at the temple, what did you see?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share
your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd
love to hear from you!

Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com