When I read Luke 21, I get a little scared. It starts with the destruction of the Temple. Jesus is telling us that God’s very house will be destroyed. When it does, we will be tempted to follow others that are not God. We could easily be led astray. There will also be wars, natural disasters and persecution. Jesus makes it personal. He tells us that we, as believers, will be beaten and tried with some being put to death. This action is not caused by strangers or even the government. It is our own parents, brothers, relatives and friends. Entire cities will be destroyed and overtaken.
The events found in this chapter are truly horrifying, with one exception. Did you notice the first paragraph about the widow? How did it land here? It is out-of-place, isn’t it? I thought so, until I got a closer look. Read it again and note that the widow kept nothing back for herself. She gave everything she had, because that is not where she found value. Consider it this way. She invested everything she had. Why? Was she foolish? No. She gave everything because she did not hold value in herself, her own comfort, or her own well-being. Instead, she invested everything she had for the Kingdom. She only though of others’ comfort and well-being. She invested it so that God’s kingdom could be full.
It is worth considering our investments vs the widows. I realize now that my fear when reading chapter 21 is a result of the investments I am making. You see, if I am investing in my business or my possessions or even my family, Jesus is quick to show me that my investment will not pay off. This is what gives me anxiety. Thankfully, I have an opportunity to make it right. Today, I choose to invest in God’s kingdom. I can do it with my pennies and dollars as well as my talents and abilities. Will you?