September 21, 2026 - Luke 21

In a single chapter, Jesus tells the story of a poor widow and, as he tells about his return, he gives a warning about the heart.  The widow:  “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins.  And he said, ‘Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.  For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on’” (21:1-4).  The warning:  “Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap” (21:34).  These two items seem so closely related.  The widow was not, at all costs, trying to hold on to worldly wealth; thus, she was free to give what she had, even sacrificially.  On the other hand, the more one gets caught up in the pursuit of this world’s goods, the less prepared for Jesus’ return and, certainly, the less generous one will be.

Take my life and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days;

let them flow in endless praise,

let them flow in endless praise.

Take my silver and my gold;

not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and use

every power as thou shalt choose,

every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;

it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart it is thine own;

it shall be thy royal throne,

it shall be thy royal throne.   --Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)