[ Today's Readings ]
Let us learn to follow the lamb wherever he goes. He wants us to trust him so completely that we can offer him our whole livelihood. We are content, indeed impressed with ourselves, when we give from our surplus. Giving is always good. But when it is from our surplus we still believe we are in control. It doesn't require a profound act of trust or surrender.
He said, “I tell you truly,
this poor widow put in more than all the rest;
for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth,
but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.”
We need to learn to value the things of heaven more than those in earth so that we can use the things of earth rightly. Playing harps and singing a new song before the throne is worth more than any treasure. But it is reserved for those without deceit on their lips who are unblemished by the world. Only they have the freedom of heart to truly follow the lamb wherever he goes.
The good news is that the hundred and forty-four thousand don't achieve this on their end. Even the widow gives what she gives in response to grace that empowers her to do it. The Father writes his name on their foreheads, claiming them as his own, and sealing them for the day of redemption. He writes his name on our foreheads as well. This same grace, to follow the lamb, is available to us right now. Let us respond to it.
He shall receive a blessing from the LORD,
a reward from God his savior.
Such is the race that seeks for him,
that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.
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