Beloved, Think It Not Strange Concerning the Fiery Trial Which Is To Try You But Rejoice!- Part 1353

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." (I Peter 4:12-14)

"Moreover, brethren, we do (make known to you) to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality, for to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power  [they] were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift [and take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering of the saints." (II Corinthians 8:1-4)

In the gospels, we see Jesus speaking to the chief priests and the scribes and the elders in parables, as they sought to lay hold on Him. Note however that inasmuch as these desired to rid their society of Jesus, they also feared the people for they knew that He had spoken this specific parable against them. So, instead, they sent unto Jesus certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to catch Him in His words. (Mark 12:13)

"And they sought to lay hold on Him, but feared the people: for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them: and they left Him, and went their way. And they send unto Him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words.

And when they were come, they say unto Him, "Master, we know that Thou art true, and cares for no man: for thou regard not the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, "Why tempt ye Me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it." (Mark 12:12-15)

And they brought it. And He saith unto them, "Whose is this image and superscription?" And they said unto Him, "Caesar's." And Jesus answering said unto them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." And they marveled at Him.

Note then that the Sadducees came which say there is no resurrection. Next, a scribe to whom Jesus observed, saying, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God." (Mark 12:28-34)  And while Jesus taught in the temple, the common people heard Him gladly. (Mark 12:37)

But to the scribes, Jesus said, "Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing and love salutations in the marketplaces and the chief seats in the synagogues and the uppermost rooms at feasts, which devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers; these shall receive greater damnation." (Mark 12:38-40)

Did you catch that? Jesus warned us of the scribes, who love salutations and recognition in the synagogues, and always want the best seats at feasts. Why? Because these devour widow's houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. But Jesus did not stop there. Over in the treasury, Jesus beheld how the people cast money into the treasury and how many that were rich cast in much. 

"And there came a certain poor widow and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called unto Him His disciples, and saith unto them. "Verily I say unto you. That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury ... for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had -- even all her living." (Mark 12:41-44)

The little widow woman gave all she had, not of her abundance but from her heart. She honoured the Lord God with everything she had -- her mind, her soul, her heart and her strength. The first commandment in both the old covenant and the new testament. (Mark 12:28; Deuteronomy 6:4)

"And herein, I give my advice for this is expedient for you who have begun before -- not only to do but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it, that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have, for if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not ...

For I mean not that other men be eased and ye be burdened but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want that their abundance also may be a supply for your want -- that there may be an equality." (II Corinthians 8:10-14)

In other words, as it is written, "He that had gathered much had nothing over, and he that had gathered little had no lack." (II Corinthians 8:15)

As a community of believers wherein every single believer is equal within the body of Christ, and Jesus is the Head.

This is why we should "rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying(s). Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that called you, who also will do it ... The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen." (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)

Stand in the offering plate.