HOW far above the writings of mere men are those indited by the Spirit of God! What depth and fullness are revealed in the word of inspiration! God is the One Who brings to light the thoughts and intents of the heart, and however clever man may be, he cannot do this. God alone sees the motive, the spring of every action; God alone knows the subtle workings of each mind.
The Lord Jesus when on earth, often gave proof of His divinity to those who were able to perceive it, by chewing that He knew the very thoughts of those around Him. Instead of replying to their questions or their statements, He answered their thoughts, and put His finger, as it were, on the reasoning that they considered hidden from view. And while He could read the sordid desire, or the hope of worldly advantage, He equally knew the timid, shrinking touch of faith, or the wish in the hearts of those mothers who longed to bring their little ones to Him.
How plainly we see that the Lord observes everything, and that nothing escapes His eye! It was so when He trod this earth, and it is well to remember that He is always “the same, yesterday, and today, and forever.”
“Many that were rich cast in much.” It was well that they did so, and the Lord saw what they did. But when they went to their homes, had they to debar themselves in any way? Had they to give up any luxury or expensive pleasure because they had been so lavish in their gifts? Surely the question was and is not so much as to the sum given, as it is to that which remains. This appears to have been the Lord’s way of estimating the value of the gifts.
Oh! what a privilege it was for the disciples to hear His own comments, when He treated them not as “servants” but as “friends,” and graciously explained to them the true meaning of what was passing around. This poor woman, who probably bore the marks of her poverty in her person and attire, cast in more than all that was bestowed by the wealthy and the grand. They had cast in of their abundance, but she of her want.
How little could she have imagined that the account of her deed would be read and spoken of for centuries. But so it is, even as the anointing of the Lord’s head by the woman who brought the alabaster box of ointment was to be remembered and told for a “memorial of her” wherever the gospel was to be preached in the whole world. In like manner the Holy Spirit placed on record, not only in Mark 12, but also in Luke 21, the incident of the widow and her two mites, that it might be had in remembrance for our instruction.
The apostle Paul writing to the Philippians, reveals a delicate reason why he rejoiced in their liberality. The saints had sent once and again unto his necessity, and he speaks of them as being at one time the only church which communicated with him as to giving and receiving; but he adds, with unselfish candor, “Not that I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”
Paul had learned the hard lesson of contentment; he could abound or he could suffer need, and yet be satisfied. But he praises the Philippians, and tells them that they have well done to help him in his affliction, because he is glad that they are bearing fruit which will abound to their account. He knew that the Lord would not forget it or any such, for our blessed, gracious Lord sees the heart of each believer now, and reads it as thoroughly as He read the pious intent of the humble widow.
In 2 Corinthians 8 most interesting instruction is given as to the ministry of loving benevolence, and the example of our Lord Himself is cited, Who “though he was rich, yet for your sakes became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
H.L.R.