A Great Deal

 

My wife sent me to the grocery store today because they were running a special (cake mix for 50 cents!). One of the advantages of being retired is that I can go to the store first thing in the morning before the specials are sold out. I got there early but the shelves were already close to empty. It reminded me of the days when Black Friday was only on the day after Thanksgiving. People would wait for hours outside stores in the middle of the night, even in bad weather, in order to be able to get a great deal.

 

When you think about the great deal God has for us - eternal life with Him in heaven and His love and help here on earth - you wonder why our churches aren’t filled to overflowing with enthusiastic people. Why aren’t there more takers? Some people undervalue the offer, not accepting it for what it is. Others overvalue the cost, not wanting to give up their worldly lifestyle.

 

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:44-46).

 

We should be willing, like the men in the parables, to “sell all we have”, not letting anything keep us from God. Then we can buy everlasting treasure, the greatest deal in history. We get it for free by virtue of Jesus’ sacrifice! Isaiah prophesied, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost” (Isaiah 55:1).

 

Let’s live with joy and enthusiasm over God’s goodness to us.