12.2. A WIDOW WHO GAVE WITH HER HEART

Mark 12:41-44 "Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much.⁴² Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.⁴³ So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; ⁴⁴ "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.""

This example is brought to your attention by Jesus. Here are some points to help your consideration:-

	Jesus is positioned to observe how widows give (Mark 12:41 ).
	Jesus takes delight in those who gave as did this widow (Mark 12:42 ).
	Jesus speaks against hypocritical greed, in commending a widow's giving (Mark 12:38-40 ).
	Jesus was more interested how, rather than what the widow gave (Mark 12:41-42 ).
	Jesus presented for His disciples' teaching, the widow's giving (Mark 12:43 ).
	Jesus saw real love for God, that withheld nothing, in the widow's giving (Mark 12:42,44 ).
	Jesus saw dependence on God for her living, in the widow's giving (Mark 12:44 ).
	Jesus saw beautiful unconsciousness of self in the widow's giving (Mark 12:44 ).
	Jesus saw a reflection of His own sacrificial love in the widow's giving (Matthew 20:28 ).

Remember, to have the right motive, manner, and measure of giving, we need to drink deeply of the spirit of Jesus.

12.3. A WIDOW WHO EXPRESSED COMMITMENT

Ruth 1:16-17 "But Ruth said: "Entreat me not to leave you, Or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God. ¹⁷ Where you die, I will die, And there will I be buried. The Lord do so to me, and more also, If anything but death parts you and me.""

An example of genuine affection and loyalty expressed by Ruth, a young widow to an elderly widow, her mother-in-law.

Ruth pledged:-

	Cleaving - would not leave.
	Companionship - living together.
	Closeness - with God's people.
	Commitment - to a relationship in God.
	Constancy - in life and death.

Naomi had so lived her faith that it had a life changing effect on Ruth, expressed beautifully in Ruth's affirmation "your God, my God."

Widows who live their faith produce faith in others. The witness of their lips succeeds when endorsed with the witness of life.

12.4. A WIDOW WHO SUSTAINED GOD'S PROPHET

1 Kings 17:9 "Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee. "

The widow of Zarephath has much to teach widows today. Do read the full account (1 Kings 17:8-24 ).

Let your meditation on the following briefly stated thoughts encourage and strengthen you.

	A Gentile widow, chosen by God for a sustaining ministry (1 Kings 17:9; Luke 4:24-26 ).
	Be available to be commanded by God (1 Kings 17:9 ).
	Willingness to serve tested by the request of a stranger for her last bit of food (1 Kings 17:11-12 ).
	Chose to respond positively to the word of the Lord (1 Kings 17:13-14 ).
	Obedience brought into action day by day, miracle provision (1 Kings 17:16 ).
	Living by supernatural aid does not prevent the severest trial (1 Kings 17:17 ).
	Times of distress can cause distrust of those who can best help us (1 Kings 17:18 ).
	Calamity can make us victims of the accuser, who will remind us of sins already dealt with (1 Kings 17:18; 1 John 1:9 ).
	Learn to respond gently in stress-filled circumstances (1 Kings 17:19 ).
	God uses His messengers in a ministry of restoration and resurrection life (1 Kings 17:19-23 ).
	Acceptance of proven ministry deepens personal trust in God (1 Kings 17:24 ).

12.5. A WIDOW WHO CO-OPERATED IN MIRACLE SUPPLY

2 Kings 4:3 "Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few."

This is a precious example of God meeting a widow's need.

See 2 Kings 4:1-7. Click here for an in depth look at these verses.

To all godly widows, precious in the eyes of the Lord, the best of all counsel comes from the lips of Mary:

John 2:5 "His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it.""