Affirm
TEXT
Mark 12:41-44 (NLT)
Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
READ
There was something about the Man that made the best of men feel that they were in the deepest need. And yet the worst of men felt drawn to him. Here was goodness attractive, winsome, compelling. As I once read to a highly educated Hindu, “And the publicans and the sinners drew near to hear him,” he exclaimed: “Of whom else could that be said? Sinners drawing near to the Holy One! Why weren’t they afraid of his goodness–afraid that it would punish and destroy them? They drew near! Here was goodness that was approachable.” Yes, the Hindu was right.
-E. Stanley Jones, The Christ of Every Road.
Declare
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28