just believe
Just Believe!
There are a lot of people who are confused as to what Christmas is really all about. Some people think that it is a time to be with family. Some people think that it is about showing extra kindness to others. Some people even think that it’s just about parties and presents. The truth of the matter is, it’s really about Jesus coming into our world to save us so that we can believe in Him and go to heaven some day.
Not long ago there was a pastor who tried to illustrate the free nature of God’s gift of heaven. He stood in the pulpit one morning, held up a poinsettia plant and said, “Whoever wants this beautiful Christmas poinsettia may have it. All you have to do is take it." The people stared at him. He waited. And waited. Finally a mother timidly raised her hand and said, “I’ll take it.” “Great!” said the preacher, “It’s yours.” But to his astonishment, she nudged her son, “Go get it for me.” “No,” the pastor said. “Whoever wants this gift must come and get it personally. You can’t send a substitute.” She shook her head, not willing to risk embarrassment. He waited again. It was a gorgeous flower, unusually large, wrapped in red cellophane with a gold satin ribbon. It was set in front of the pulpit to brighten the small sanctuary during the holiday season. Several people had commented on how beautiful the plant was. Now it was free for the taking. Someone snickered, “What’s the catch?” “No catch,” he replied. “It’s free.” No one moved. A college student asked, “Is it glued to the altar?” Everyone laughed. “It is not glued to the altar. Nor are there any strings attached. It’s yours for the taking.” “Well,” asked a pretty teenager, “Can I take it after the service?” The preacher shook his head. “You must come and get it now.” He was beginning to wish he’d never started the whole thing when a woman he’d never seen before stood up in the back. Quickly, as if she were afraid she’d change her mind, she strode to the altar and picked up the plant. “I’ll take it,” she said. As she returned to her seat carrying the free gift, the preacher launched with enthusiasm into his text, Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” “The gift of God is eternal life! It’s free." When the service had ended and most of the people had gone home, the woman who claimed the poinsettia came to the platform where the pastor was picking up his Bible to leave. “Here!” she held out her hand. “This flower is too pretty to just take home for free. I couldn’t do that with a clear conscience.”” He looked down at the crumpled paper she stuffed into his hand. It was a ten dollar bill.
It’s hard to believe, but some people have trouble believing anybody, least of all God, would give them something for nothing. There are a lot of people who believe that you have to be good to get into heaven. I’ve talked to a lot of people who think that if they are good enough, God will let them into heaven. Nothing could be further from the truth. Have you ever thought you have to be good enough in order to get into heaven? Have you ever felt like that woman? That there must be a catch? The truth is: there is no catch. It is free to everyone who will believe.
Scripture: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me of my past and come into my life in a fresh way. Amen
Pastor John
Comments
Login/Register to leave a comment