When I put the words “little old ladies” into a search this morning, this was one of the images that popped up.
I want us to look at one little lady that the Lord brought to the attention of His disciples.
“ Jesus sat near the Temple collection box and watched as people put money into it. Many rich people put in a lot of money. 42 Then a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth less than a penny. 43 Jesus called his followers to him and said, ‘This poor widow put in only two small coins. But the truth is, she gave more than all those rich people. 44 They have plenty, and they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had. It was money she needed to live on.'” Mark 12:41-44 ERV
I’ve seen this lady many times in my imagination. Hair brushed back, the fabric in her clothing faded, a bit thin but a smile on her face and an air of confidence in her step.
The disciples hadn’t noticed her but God did!
The world around her ignored her. She wasn’t significant to them, but she was to the Lord. She didn’t come to Jesus asking for anything, she came to give to God willingly, sacrificially and without pretense.
There’s no mention that Jesus had any personal encounter with her, not like He had with Zacchaeus when he told him to come down out of the tree or that He had with Peter when He asked him to leave his fishing nets and follow Him.
No, but He noticed her. He knew what God would do.
“Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food.
16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:15-18 CEV
“ When you give, do not let your left hand know what your right hand gives. 4 Your giving should be in secret. Then your Father Who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4 NLV
This isn’t a message on giving, please don’t think that. But it is a message on being seen by the Father.
These four verses tell us that nothing is outside of the Father’s attention. Something that appears insignificant to the world makes our heavenly Father take notice.
A little boy’s lunch, a widow’s small offering, a cup of cold water, a broken bottle of perfume – all gifts from the heart. All were noteworthy and found their place in Scripture. God felt they were important enough to be recorded in a book filled with miracles.
The little kindnesses we extend each day, the time spent in prayer for a loved one or a neighbor, forgiveness given, sacrifices of time, all are noticed.
Young child, college student, young mother, career path walker, blue collar worker, executive, retiree or little old lady – the Father sees you, He notices and He knows your heart.