"But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land; Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon."" - Jesus (Luke 4:25-26)Jesus pointed out something that put his whole synagogue in an uproar.
He said the only widow who had food enough for her family during the famine was the one who, first, gave her last to God. They all knew the story from 1st Kings 17 - this widow had one meal left and the prophet had the audacity to ask for it first. By asking her to feed him first Elijah was actually doing her the favor - by keeping him fed she and son never ran out of food while others starved.
Jesus wasn't asking for money, he was pointing out that putting God first, not just being one of God's chosen, brings God's blessing and provision. God's call to service is for our benefit, not his.
Jesus put it this way,
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Jesus (Matthew 6:33)- fritz
Related link: The Prosperity Gospel, September 24, 2010
Related Link: Waiting, October 20, 2010
