Jesus observed how people put money in the treasury. He saw the rich putting in money out of their abundance and a poor widow putting in a lepta (two small copper coins) out of her poverty. The lepton was a currency used in ancient Greece; and a lepta has the equivalence of 1/64 of a denarius, a Roman currency. In early Roman Empire, the daily wage for an unskilled labourer and common soldier was 1 denarius. So even though it was a very meagre amount, she was commended by our Lord for her generosity. I wonder how she lived after that? At any rate, those who sow bountifully shall reap bountifully (2 Cor 9:6).
James said that pure and undefiled religion is to visit the orphans and widows in their distress (Jas 1:27). Earlier on, the religious leaders were plying Jesus with questions, trying to trap Him. But they were unable to do so. Jesus ended the exchanges with the remark that religious people like to make a show of themselves. And unlike what James advised, they would not hesitate to take advantage and swindle widows (Mk 12:38-40). It takes a widow, and a poor one at that, to demonstrate what God looks at. God does not look at the external performances of men but rather the internal workings their hearts.
God also notices when we give to Him today. Whether we give tithes or offerings, He knows because Malachi talked about the nation of Israel robbing God (Mal 3:8). We open ourselves to curses if we fail to pay our tithes and give our offerings. On the other hand, we if honour the Lord with our substance, He would open heaven's windows to rain down blessings on us. Those who fear God and esteem His name will be remembered by Him and will be a part of His special possession (Mal 3:16-18). The arrogance of men is again taken note of by God (Mal 3:13-15). Let's examine daily our hearts' condition before God that we may present unto Him acceptable offerings of both our praise and substance.
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