for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood." (Mark 12:44)

The story here recorded in Mark’s gospel is one of the most heart-warming in all of Scripture.  As Jesus watched the people putting money into the offering box, a poor widow was the one who gained his approval.  We have a touching picture of a lonely widow whose heart was sad and her mean scanty, finding strength and consolation in contributing to the temple.  Her remarkable action has become a model for disciples of Christ.

The objective amount was basically ignored by Jesus.  He was not concerned with the sum, but with the sacrifice.  This widow gave in all that she had, her whole livelihood.  In contrast many rich people put in large sums, but made no real sacrifice.   They gave out of abundance, but not out of want.  The widow’s gift was a heroic act of faith.  It was a demonstration of how much the worship of God meant to her.

This widow’s gift was approved because it was an offering full of love for God.  She demonstrated her gratitude to God, and her utmost confidence in Him to provide the daily needs.  Two mites were of little importance to the treasury, but of great importance to her.

It is a pleasure to give to those we love and value.  A young girl gives up her career and fortune for the future of her husband and the spiritual well-being of her children.  A father will find satisfaction in knowing he has given his best to his family even though he has worn out shoes.  A brother or sister in Christ will stay up until late into the night to share the gospel with a lost soul or to lift the burden of a saint.  

Too often we lose sight of the blessing because the service is too burdensome  and demands too much effort.  Thus, we restrain from indulgence in Christ-like service.  May we put into the treasury our wealth, talents, and prayers.  None go unnoticed by God.  Let us seek to have the spirit of this widow who knew God could do without the gift, but also knew that her heart could not be satisfied without her sacrifice.

By George Slover

"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27)

Three times in this verse the word “created” is used- an emphatic proclamation of God’s work in creating humankind.  Contrary to fanciful theories of the origin of man, the text plainly states that his descent is from the work of God’s hands.

To further emphasize this crown jewel of his creative work, God said, "Let Us make man in Our image.  (Genesis 1:26)  As if previous makings were subordinate in importance, those simple words (Let us) describe God’s conscious, deliberate forethought when he made man.  With attentiveness and delight he carefully fashioned this marvelous creature in His likeness.

Being like God, man was designed to have an affinity with his maker.  God has made marvelous things indeed.  He fashioned this awesome universe manifesting magnificent design!  The earth with its complex systems is a masterpiece!  The creatures of God from the unseen swarms, to the mighty, from the slow, to the swift are truly a wonder.  But, only man is called a “son of God”. (Acts 17:28)

This excellent creature was made to resemble his Creator.  Unlike the fish, the birds, and the plants, man is a person.  He was made like God in purity, innocence, and goodness.  He is the highest representation of all of God’s creation!

Then, God entrusted man with what he had made- Then God blessed them, and God said to them,… "have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (Genesis 1:28)  God gave man this great empire to rule- the world and its vast resources.  Everything under heaven was placed under him.

While it is true that God gave man this special duty, he also gave him a destiny.  His immediate assignment was to rule this world, but being in the likeness of God, he was made to be a companion of God and the angels!  Man belongs to two worlds – the earth and heaven!

Thus, God gave man an imperative: "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. (Genesis 1:28)  However, man’s focus is raised to high and heavenly goals by Jesus: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.(Matthew 6:19-20)

Dear reader, you are very special indeed.  You were not made to defile your body and soul with the common filth of this world.  You were designed for the lofty purpose of honoring your Creator.  This is your daily assignment!

By George Slover
 

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

The great argument of Paul’s letter to the Romans is the justification of man on the basis of grace through faith.  The first eleven chapters are devoted to this great theme concluding with a hymn of praise as Paul stands in awe of God’s ways.  Now, in chapter 12 Paul moves to a practical plea for a sacrificial living.

God beseeches us to sacrifice our own bodies to him.  In chapter 6 Paul says: Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. (Romans 6:12-13)  The surrendering of our bodies to godly principles means that our entire self is yielded to God.

First, God wants a living sacrifice.  Under the Mosaical law the sacrifice was taken to the altar where it was slain and consumed.  However, here the Christian’s physical life is not forfeited, but the carnal self is lost and a new life of honor is embraced.  The old carnal feelings of envy, pride, and revenge must give way to love, joy, peace, and gentleness.  A desire to please peers is replaced by a desire to please God.  This desire to honor God is to be the chief affection of our heart.

Next, we notice this sacrifice is to be holy.  Under the Law of Moses the animal offered was to be free from blemish.  Here God enjoins holy living; to be totally dedicated to him.  Those members of the body that must yield to God’s will are the eyes (Matthew 5:29), the ears (James 1:19,20), the hands (Mark 9:44), the feet (Mark 9:44), and the mouth (Ephesians 4:29).  God wants our mind and heart.  He wants our all.

This living, holy sacrifice of our bodies is well pleasing to God.  Under Moses’ law only the priest could offer such sacrifices.  However, through Christ all of his disciples are priests qualified to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God.  Such offerings must include our tribute of thanksgiving and adoration to God.
(Hebrews 13:15,16)  

This consecrated life is motivated by the mercies of God.  Shall not the Christian sacrifice all earthly affections to Christ?  Shall he not hear the voice of Jesus above all others?  When we think of what we owe the Lord, any sacrifice in our life will seem like a feeble effort to show our gratitude and love.

By George Slover
 

the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— (1 John 1:2)

The introduction to John’s first letter stirs the imagination.  The potential and the possibilities of God living in the flesh and living among men thrills the soul.  John, in simple language, sets before his readers this profound truth.

A key word in this context is “life”. (vs. 1,2)  The focus of the letter and of John’s ministry is the “word of life”.  (vs. 1)  The gospel is personified.  It is more than mere commands.  It is about a person!  That person is Jesus and he is God in the flesh!  (John 1:14).

John says the “Word of Life” was from the beginning.  God has no beginning and no end.  He was before all creation; indeed he is the Creator of all things!  
(John 1:3)  The “Word of Life” existed intimately with the Father before time began.  He is timeless in existence.

However, this “life was manifested” i.e. he entered the realm of time in human form.  He moved from the realm of the invisible to the visible.  The life was manifested through the earthly ministry of Jesus, and gloriously exhibited by his death and resurrection.  It is difficult for the finite mind to conceive of such a thing!  Yet, to entertain the possibilities engenders hope!

To add to the excitement John makes a bold claim.  We saw him.  We gazed upon him.  We touched him!  They beheld his glory (John 1:14), heard his voice, and witnessed his mighty works as he stilled the sea and raised the dead.  They saw him die on a cross.  They touched his body of flesh and bones after his resurrection.  (Luke 24:39)  It was more than a quick glance.  It was a steadfast gaze in which John tried to fully discover this mystery.   He is qualified to testify of this marvelous life.

John does not keep this marvelous story to himself.  He makes a declaration so that others can enjoy the same fellowship and joy.  No other relationship can compare with the communion of man with God.  This fellowship involves enjoying the compassion, strength, and sympathy of a heavenly Father.  It means God has forgiven the sinner!  The contemplation of such possibility brings joy!

We owe a debt of gratitude to the apostles who took great pains and gave their lives to make their testimony known to the world that we might believe and have life in God.

By George Slover
 

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)

In 1977 I began local work in Louisiana.  Among that small band of disciples was a young man I will never forget.  He was a devoted husband and father, a provider and spiritual protector of his family.  I remember him conducting his first Bible class with a red face, a gravel voice, and other obvious signs of being nervous.  But, what I most remember about him was his fervent prayers.

Epaphras, the servant of Christ who first brought the gospel to Colosee (Colossians 1:7,8), was also known for his earnest prayers.  Epaphras was a native of Colosee and one of three Gentiles mentioned at the end of this letter.  In this context Epaphras is in Rome with Paul and absent from those in Colosee,  but he has not forgotten them.  He is praying for them.

Paul reports that Epaphras is “laboring fervently” in prayer. (NKJV)  The NIV says “always wrestling in prayer”.  This is a word indicating patience, persistence, and intensity.  The spiritual warfare of the brethren was constantly weighing on his mind.  This kept him active in prayer.  This is a great commendation of this servant – that foremost in his heart was the well-being of the brethren.

The prayers of this wonderful servant were accompanied by zeal for other churches as well – Laodicea and Hierapolis.  (vs. 13) These neighboring churches were also exposed to the same perils as the church in Colosee.  This “great zeal” indicates deep anxiety and anguish.  Epaphras was deeply concerned about all three churches in the valley of Lycus. 

These churches were threatened by heresy.  The best defense against false doctrine is to be well- grounded and convicted in truth.  Thus, Epaphras prayed that the brethren might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Colossians 4:12)  This should be the goal of every servant of Christ.  These deep rooted convictions will help them make good moral decisions and avoid doctrinal error.  

The church is in need of those like Epaphras and my friend from Louisiana.  Satan is constantly trying to destroy souls by leading them astray.  The greatest hindrance to Satan’s progress is those who will boldly proclaim God’s word and will go to their knees in prayer.  What about you?

By George Slover