“These women were helping to support them out of their own means.”
(Luke 8:3 NIV)
Luke explains that the disciples were with Jesus, but so were these women. They followed Him wherever He went. Luke lists them: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Suzanna and many others. And then he lets us know: these women supported the ministry out of their own pocketbook and skillset.
A ministry requires support: financially and physically. And these women were all in. Scripture reads as though they gave out of their funds, but also their strength. I am reminded of the woman with the alabaster jar: likely one of these women who upended her life for the Master’s ministry. Mark’s gospel points it out quite plainly “She did what she could.” (Mark 14:8 NIV) She didn’t have much but what she had she gave freely while the world stood by and wondered over her extravagant gift.
I think about these women living in the hard spine of history between BC and AD. I realize they were rarely wealthy or unencumbered. Women’s suffrage was still a couple thousand of years away. Yet these women did what they could to fund and serve the gospel of Jesus in real time.
Last night I worked on our taxes. The annual pile of W2’s and giving statements creates a sacred pausing place to consider our own Kingdom investment. Could the same be written of Rob and I? Have we done what we could? Men and women have been giving out of limited means from the beginning, but somehow with God, our little becomes just enough. He funds His earthly ministry through ordinary people just like us.
“Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12 NLT)
“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving – the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:11-12 NLT)
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so they may take hold life that is truly life.”
(1 Timothy 6:18-19 NIV)
Giving our time, treasure and talent one of the ways we invest in the life to come. Generosity keeps our grip light on today and strong on eternity.
Lord, we are moved by these women, investing whatever they had in Your Kingdom. Make us like them, willing to let go of our little so it may become much in the light of eternity. Today we will look for ways to invest in what You are doing here on earth. Amen.