Two Tiny Coins

The faintest noise

Metal on metal

What seemed insignificant

Was a sacrificial gesture

He gathered them to say

It was more than all the others

Mark 12:42

It started as a haiku. But of course I had more words to say. Seventeen syllables would not do the trick this time. Yet even still the lesson is simple and doesn’t need much explanation. This moment that Jesus teaches on in Mark is powerful. A poor widow puts two tiny coins into the temple treasury, while others pour greater amounts into the treasury. In the end, who gave more? Well the widow of course! Of course? No no no, the other offerings will go further in the church right? The rich gave so much more point blank. But no, it is not about the number, but the heart posture. Her offering was a sacrificial gesture, it was a surrender of control, it was a declaration to the Lord that she believes he is good and will provide all she needs. Therefore she freely gives as she has been freely given.

This season looks like waking up early, and getting to work. We are either mixing concrete from scratch, clearing out jungle among snakes, painting bathroom doors, or street evangelizing for 7ish hours a day. All the while, spending time with the Lord throughout. Learning to rest in him, as my body sometimes aches from using a shovel, machete, or rake for hours on end. Or asking him for peace and comfort as my mind slows from attempting to translate and choose into another conversation on the street all day long. Many days I am either physically tired, mentally drained, or spiritually grasping, but it’s in the midst of these things that I find the most joy. On the days with extra down time, I reflect on how grateful I am to be doing these things For The Kingdom in The Lord’s Name! He has chosen me to be here and work as a vessel for his truth. It’s not always a walk on the beach (Unless we are doing beach clean up). But if I wasn’t tired and needing his strength, comfort, and provision, then what would I be doing this for anyway? To be here and sacrificing comforts once again is a gesture of surrender to my Lord. It is a declaration in my Father’s name that he never promised easy. He actually promised hard- that we do not belong here, and that we will be hated by the world in his name. But hey, the Creator of the universe will love us harder than anyone here could anyway. And yet he still blessed us with people and community that can pour into us through his wisdom.

It may look like raking a jungle is insignificant. It may appear that getting laughed at when handing out homemade notes that say “Jesus Te Ama” on the street, is a waste of time. It could seem that a smile and an ill-translated conversation with a store owner in town was un-impactful. But I will tell you something- we are in the business of planting seeds. I hang on to that promise, that Jesus’ name has power, and there is nothing too small to make a big difference in his kingdom. We are here to plant seeds, and often we will not see the fruit of our labors. But God is stirring in their hearts, he’s there always. He SEES our big gestures, though to others it may just seem like two tiny coins. And in the end, he says it was more than all the others.

Be praying for the communities of BriBri, Puerto Viejo, Hone Creek, and San Box as we go out and build relationships, share Jesus!!