This morning, I read in Luke 21:1-4, 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: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.
While it is understood that this story teaches it is not the amount of the gift that matters but the sacrifice involved, I was struck instead by another phrase in this passage. Verse one begins with the words, And he looked up and saw… I noticed the fact that Jesus was watching. As the rich men cast in their gifts into the treasury, he watched as this poor widow cast in her two mites.
Let us think of all the times it seems that we do things when no one is watching. However, God sees. When we are staying up late or getting up early to do all the things to care for our families, God sees. When we take the time to care for those who do not seem to appreciate it, God sees. When we spend time in prayer, God sees. The Bible talks about praying in secret because our Father Who sees in secret will reward openly, but, sometimes, we do not always see that reward right away. Even so, we can know that God sees our desires, knows our needs, and hears those prayers. He sees the time and energy we invest in those things that seem to not matter to anyone else. God sees our tears of sadness, frustration, and even exhaustion! God also sees the victories of which no one else knows! What an encouraging thought that, even when we feel unnoticed and unappreciated, God always sees. As we drop in our two mites of prayer, of service, of sacrifice, or of love, let us remember He stands right there, watching us and ready to bless us as we faithfully serve Him every day.
by Vicki Voorhis
