Luke 21

Read Luke 21

Many rich people placed large sums into the temple “offering box,” but it was “a poor widow” donating her “two small copper coins” who “put in more than all of them.” How could this possibly be? They gave out of “their abundance” and she “out of her poverty.” The proud always want to draw attention to their enormous acts of generosity. Humble worshipers should understand that there is no point in boasting in their altruism when all they have actually belongs to the Almighty. One day the faithful will see the Lord in all His sovereign grandeur. When Christ returns in glory, will any of us dare to brag about our own tithing?

Whatever suffering the children of God face as they wait for the resurrection, they can cultivate a new attitude of heart that will allow them to give their two pennies worth of time or talents with an appropriate appreciation for the Lord God.

Those who cling to the arrogant opinion that God is treating them unfairly will be preoccupied with their own bruised feelings and will find it hard to be resilient in this fallen world. “By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

Eventually all of the people groups of the earth will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and the “times of the Gentiles” will be “fulfilled.” Though the earth will have many who will be “fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world,” the church must maintain a steady confidence in the Lord's promises.

At just the right time, everyone “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” At that time the believers will know that their “redemption is drawing near.” Until that blessed moment the church must “stay awake,” praying as those who have no riches of their own, but only that which our God supplies as we intercede for one another.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Our Father, we give You all that we have today out of our poverty. Surely we are a part of a new temple through faith in Your Son. There is much trouble all around us, but You will protect Your children as we move forward in the tasks that You have given us. Provide for Your servants who are seeking only to do what You have commanded. One day there will be signs in the heavens, Jesus will appear, and Your good plans will be fulfilled. May we be those who wait faithfully and obey diligently as we long for Your Son’s return.