Today’s scripture: Mark 12:41-44 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (E’sha Cooper):
Let’s say you’re at a party and from across the room you notice Jesus. You’ve met before, exchanged a few pleasantries, but that’s about it. He probably wouldn’t pick you out in a crowd. Well, today you want to get His attention. You want Him to notice you and remember you, even talk about you in a good way to His boys (aka the disciples). What is your game plan? What would you do? Before you answer, let’s look at how one woman got the Master’s attention.
Nancy was here faithfully for evening service like she always was. She had gotten so attached to seeing this prophet here on Sunday and longed for Him to notice her. But it had been a whole month now and she had seen Him many times but just hadn’t gotten Him to take notice.
So she just let it go. This was the service when the deacons collected offerings to bless the poor, so she had prepared her offering envelope. Nancy was down to her last $4.00. She hadn’t paid her rent in full and hadn’t gotten her groceries yet. Everyone else had jobs that enabled them to consistently give to help cover the church’s expenses, but she didn’t have it like that. Her little $4.00 would not really make a difference to anybody — even a value meal to help a homeless person would cost at least $5.00! And here is Jesus sitting in the front, watching people drop their offering in. She really felt on front street. One would think that would deter her from doing anything at all, but no no no, she gave her last $4.00.
And do you see what happened? It got Jesus’ attention. He was impressed. Not by how much she gave, but the way she gave it. She got His attention by showing Him she would love Him even if it meant a sacrifice.
When you pray, do you get God’s attention? When you give, do you get God’s attention? If you’re giving from your heart, I think the answer is yes. But if you’ve giving just to look good, or giving God the crumbs, then God’s probably not impressed. You’re just another face in the crowd. Examine yourself.
Thought for the day: Do my acts of love get God’s attention?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.