And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. Mark 12:42-43 ESV
When we want to know the worth of a precious stone, we take it to a jeweler who takes his magnifying glass and looks at its clarity and counts the facets. If we need to sell our home, we call an appraiser. When they get to our house, they check it inside and out to ascertain its market value. Standard practice is to value things according to their appearance. But God sees everything differently. In this story of the widow, the disciples were shocked that Jesus had said that she had given more than all the others. They had seen with their own two eyes, only two tiny copper coins fall from her hand into the offering box. They missed what Jesus had seen of her love, her sacrifice and faith.
If we want to look beautiful to God, we must start by remembering that nothing we see on the outside is as it appears to Him. God looks at our actions and puts them under HIs heavenly jeweler’s magnifying glass. The appraiser of the universe examines our motives according to their eternal market value. Neither the amount of money we give or how often we volunteer at the soup kitchen impresses Him. What counts with Jesus is the clarity of our love and the weight of our faith. God gives all of us the same opportunity, that He gave the widow. It doesn’t matter what other people think of our offering, what counts is if we put it into the hand of God today!
praise2worshipdotnet 
Now that’s the question of the day, Pastor Pete: “What’s the eternal market value?” Things are not always as they appear. What is highly valued by man is often detestable to God. Great post, brother. Keep them coming, and the music too. 🎶❤️
Thanks Dave. I’m making one more attempt to jump start the other blog focused on Nursing Home matters, so I’ll only be linking that in with the music for a little longer. We’ll see. The last attempt didn’t really accomplish my hope of generating a small community of people with interests and comments on long term care and special needs. God knows what will work, and I’m willing to go with His flow either way. Have a good weekend.
When we see our posessions as gifts on loan from God. “stuff” becomes far less important and relationships more important!
“. . . what counts is if we put it into the hand of God today!” A powerful statement to conclude. The “it” can be our time, talents, and treasures. I saw this familiar story with a fresh perspective because of your post. Thanks, Pastor Pete. Yehovah bless you.
Thank you Manette. God bless and may you have a wonderful week.
Pingback: Time, Talents, and Treasure
Beautiful thoughts Manette and a wonderful version of this classic hymn. I am so glad the thoughts God put in my heart planted a seed for His message through you.
Thank you, Pastor Pete. I’m grateful too, being instrumental in God’s hands is a pleasure. May all glory and honor go to our Lord and Savior.
Pingback: Looking Beautiful to God — praise2worshipdotnet – QuietMomentsWithGod