Thursday

One of the things people often find helpful when trying to sort out what the implications of something is, is to see a case study of what it looks like to live it out in real life. Last Sabbath, we spent some time looking at the case study of the widow who gave generously even though she seemingly had very little. By watching her in action, we gained some important insights into what living generously looks like. Today’s passage is another of those opportunities to do the same by considering yet another case study of generosity in action. Take a few moments to read through this story once again, and then reflect on the following questions:

- Where do you notice opportunities to express and extend generosity being lost?

- What do you notice here about the risks involved in living generously?

- What do you notice about the relationship between living efficiently and being responsive to the needs of others?

- What do you think about the irony in those who were seemingly most equipped to live responsively to the message of Scripture acting so differently from the one who was thought to be least equipped?  What do you think is going on here?

- As you reflect on the story, what do you sense is on God’s heart for you? Take a few moments to talk with God in prayer.