THE WIDOW’S MIGHT

Does God want our hearts knit to His? I think so.

Paul offers additional insight:

“See that you abound in this gracious work also...you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich…do this…also to desire to do it...it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have…not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality…at this present time your abundance being a supply for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want, that there may be equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:7–14)

THIS ECHOES CHRIST’S SACRIFICIAL GIFT that we might become rich and also echoes the poor widow’s gift. Therefore, we must not hesitate to give because we cannot give a large amount. Note that in 2 Corinthians 8:10–11 we are informed that the sequence is to desire to give, then to begin to give, then to finish giving it. Also, God promises to link your harvest to the gift. He will multiply your harvest of righteousness and will be enriched to meet every need considered by your liberality! We give. He multiplies. The recipient prays for the giver, glorifying God for the giver— revealing another mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven!

“And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3:14)

In this reference, Paul is clearly teaching that we are to be prepared to meet needs, pressing needs, of those around us. But what of the roles of the supporter and the one who receives the support for pressing needs, on the “front lines,” as they are often described? Does Scripture directly address this relationship or provide hints or glimpses of it?

“Then David said, ‘You must not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us, who has kept us and delivered into our hand the band that came against us. And who will listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down to the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage; they shall share alike’. And so it has been from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.”

(1 Samuel 30:23–25)

“Calling a bird of prey from the East, the man of My purpose from a far country.” (Isaiah 46:11)

Combined, these two references:

1. Reveal that those who are “merely” supporters (who “stay with the baggage” or meet pressing needs) share equally with those who fight the battles (on the “front lines”). Each role is dependent on the other.

2. Recognize that God can call a man from anywhere to fulfill His purposes, either as a supporter or as a warrior on the “front lines” of His purpose(s).

THE “GLIMPSE,” OR MYSTERY OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, REVEALS REALITY FROM GOD’S PERSPECTIVE. Gifts according to our ability are evaluated by our hearts motivation to make the gift. While God is pleased to use our gifts, He is far more interested in our hearts being knitted to His heart. When our gifts are motivated by obedience to His Word and a sincere desire to give for His purpose(s), God will mightily leverage our gifts, far beyond its face value, just as He acknowledged with the poor widow’s gift, and we will all share alike in the victory! Giving is always between the believer and the Lord

Consider this when you desire to give.

Consider this when you give.

Consider this when you finish the gift.

If so, you can know that God is pleased. “See that you abound in this gracious work also.”

Or contact Van Gray, Mid-America’s Chief Development Officer, at vgray@mabts.edu or 901-751-3077.

DR. ADRIAN ROGERS, long-time pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church, founder of Love Worth Finding Ministries, and faithful friend and champion of MidAmerica, referred to our school as “Scholarship on Fire.” Capturing this spirit and honoring his legacy, the Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference is a Mid-America tradition in which impassioned, Christ-centered preaching is on glorious display. This year, the Conference will be held in conjunction with our annual Founders’ Days, creating a three-day celebration you will not want to miss. See below and the next page for more information, and put this historic event on your calendar now.

Adrian Rogers Preaching Conference

z Three days of training and celebration z Begins Monday, August 14, 12:00 noon, and runs through Wednesday, August 16, after lunch z Daily celebrations in conjunction with Founders’ Days z Monday, August 14, 7:00 p.m. z Tuesday, August 15, 7:00 p.m. z Wednesday, August 16, 11:00 a.m. z Special speakers include Dr. David L. Allen, Dr. Bartholomew Orr, Dr. Michael Spradlin, and more z Breakout sessions and workshops z Major giveaways z Register online today! ($40 cost includes meals)