Extravagant Giving Leads to Extravagant Worship
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 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. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)
From surrendered hearts comes extravagant giving, the kind Jesus highlighted in the poor widow—giving that rises as fragrant worship before God.
Singing during Sunday morning service is often equated with worship in our minds. However, scattered throughout the entire Bible are examples of people bringing offerings to the temple as an act of worship and thanksgiving.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, the church in Acts and the poor widow are New Testament examples of what true worship looked like. Mary, humbly anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. The church in Acts came together and sold all they had to give to people in need. In Mark, we read of the poor widow who was recognized by Jesus to the disciples for the seemingly insignificant gift she gave. All understood that true worship meant to give it all.
In The Message – Philippians 4:18-20, “And now I have it all—and keep getting more! The gifts you sent with Epaphroditus were more than enough, like a sweet-smelling sacrifice roasting on the altar, filling the air with fragrance, pleasing God to no end. You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, his generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. Yes.”
When we remember where all of our blessings come from, it helps us to remember we are temporary managers. God is the true owner, allowing us to enjoy the earthly gifts for a little while. Generous people are typically humble, selfless, and God-fearing. They understand their mere existence and all they are is thanks to God. Similarly, we can live generously with open hands when we have a right view of God and his goodness.
Reflect:
- How does seeing your gift as “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18) transform your view of giving to the Overflow Initiative?
- What practical step can you take this week to move toward worship-motivated, extravagant giving for the Overflow Initiative?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, all that we have is Yours and we want to please You with our fragrant offerings of joy, service, and sacrifice. May we be like Jesus who “for the joy set before Him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame” in order that we would be made presentable to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.