God's VIP's
April 26, 2006 01:01 PM'; } ?>And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all Luke 21-1-3
This is a fascinating and enlightening passage. Jesus recognized this poor donor because the size of her heart was greater than the size of her gift. In the end the size of her gift was considered to be a greater gift by our beloved Savior. In our day, most Pastors are quick to recognize the big donations and give honor to the big donors. When is the last time you heard a Pastor offer words of praise to the poor people who faithfully give their small gifts to the Lord in the weekly offerings? Other Christian leaders of Christian ministries readily recognize the big donations, develop close friendships with the big donors, grant them access upon demand, and honor them by placing them in positions of power within their ministries. When is the last time you heard a leader of a Christian ministry specifically commend a poor person and honor them with a position of power in their ministry because of their sacrificial giving although the amount may never equal the funds needed to erect a new building? By the way, why is it that so many buildings and rooms are named after the big donors? How many itinerate preachers will turn down a speaking engagement to speak at a poor church in order to accept and invitation to speak at a rich church?
Last Sunday morning, I watched one of our dear members, Homer, come into the church. Homer is a faithful member. His wife, Shirley, was a faithful member before the Lord took her home to heaven unexpectedly a few years ago. I remember the moment I received the shocking news of Shirley’s death thinking of this passage of scripture. I even mentioned it at her memorial service. You see, Homer and Shirley did not have much of this world’s goods, but they gave like the widow did here in this passage of Scripture. My guess that Homer continues to give like the widow did.
To all of the Homers and Shirley’s at CBC and in this world, I would say, “God bless you for all you do for the cause of Christ!” You may never feel like a VIP to men, but you are to God! All of God’s VIP’s deserve our recognition, respect, appreciation, and commendation. They include a wide range of donors.
In Christ,
Pastor Joe Roof