Watched Watching

December 4, 2017

 Scripture

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

(Luke 21:1-4 NLT)

Watched Watching

In our social media crazed culture people are watching one another like hawks and quickly challenge, criticize or even demonize those they find disagreeable or inappropriate. Quiet conversation or exchange of difficult ideas can be destroyed by the overheated rhetorical environment.

Today’s little window into Jesus’ life is slightly different in that he finds the good in what he sees. His eyes picked up the obvious but his inner eyes saw intention and character. Everybody is doing a good thing – giving to the needs of the community.

It’s impossible to judge the intentions of others, let alone always be sure of our own. But we need reminding that we are watched by the God who loves to see small generous sacrifices. There is no judgment here of the giving of the majority, rather applause for the sacrifice of the minority.

This is a season for watching our inner person with some care. The pressures of Christmas to overindulge, to become insensitive, to be overwhelmed need release in quiet reflection on the God who generously gives life and hope in Jesus. He calls us to watch our lives with care and to watch the lives of others to find them out in the good they do – even the small things.

 A Prayer for Today

Loving Father, we can be quick to judge and slow to forgive – quick to anger and slow to patience. As we approach this Christmas season may one of our gifts be forgiveness and patience. You know the noise around me encourages the other. Let gratitude for your love inspire the way I see and treat others …. for Jesus’ sake