WHY DON’T YOU GO TO CHURCH? by Pastor Jim
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray you and yours are well.
“Somebody said something unpleasant about my makeup.”
“The organist stole all the money.”
“The president of the congregation did not support my idea.”
“That pastor is a horrible singer.”
In Mark 12, we read about the widow who gave her last two pennies to church. That is a pretty tall order. Give your last two pennies to church. Nothing for nothing, but it’s not like that is going to balance the budget. So, why even bother giving the church your last two pennies- it won’t even make a difference to them.
That is missing the point.
In Jesus’ time, widows had no legal rights. So a good husband would appoint an agent on his wife’s behalf in case he should pass first. This agent was almost always a religious leader. Many of these religious leaders were corrupt and stole the widows inheritance; thus Jesus condemnation of those who “devour widow’s houses” (Mark 12:40). This poor widow was likely destitute because of one of these
charlatan religious leaders. Her story comes immediately after Jesus condemnation of the hypocrites. The connection is not coincidental.
It’s not just that this woman gives her last two pennies to church; it’s that she comes back to church in spite of being so grievously wronged.
It’s not clear from the text if this woman even heard the kind words which the Son of God said about her. That’s not the point either.
God’s eye is on the sparrow. You are more valuable than any animal in His creation. Learn from the widow, come to church.
The LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) has a very fine tradition of Mite Boxes; which is based on this very Scripture passage. I want to encourage every woman to pick up a Mite Box and every man to help her fill it. These offerings go to support amazing mission projects. Pray for these faithful women!
Your friend in Christ,
Pastor Jim