Dearest Members of Bethlehem,
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us.” -Ephesians 1:7-8
There are lots of acronyms out there. But there is one acronym in particular that I really love to see. “BOGO,” which of course means, “buy one, get one.”
When you are walking through the grocery store, and you see a big sign that says, “BOGO,” this is truly good news. Certainly, this is a sign that it might be time to stock up on supplies, if you need them. And then, I would just suggest that you leave it at that, don’t start thinking too much about the whole “BOGO” phenomenon, because if you do…
You might wonder how the grocery store you love could justify gouging us one week and then luring us back with such a sweet deal the next.
Yeah, like I said, don’t dwell on it, the economy is the economy and this side of the kingdom I am going to need to live within its confines, especially if I want Hotdogs and S’mores for Memorial Day Weekend.
And, even if there are moments of frustration with our country’s economy, at least I can find comfort and encouragement in God’s economy.
In God’s economy, there are no supply and demand issues. In God’s economy there are never shortages of the most important supplies. There’s an unending store of faith, hope, grace, and love at God’s disposal. And… just because there’s an infinite supply, if you really know how to value things appropriately, you will know that the over-abundance doesn’t cheapen the “goods.”
Maybe it’s true, maybe the best things in life really are free… and when it comes to these “finer things,” we haven’t had to pony up a thing, they were given freely. We didn’t need to “buy one” to “get one.” They were all provided out of the kindness of God’s heart, quite “lavishly” as the text above suggests. And as for me, I’ll take it, all of it I can possibly get, who am I to question a good thing when it comes along?
Question for reflection: Do you think the really good bargains are really bargains?
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dan
Gracious Lord, in the depth of your wisdom, you offer us a grace expansive enough that your whole creation may benefit from your goodness. We have no need to be frugal with forgiveness, especially when it’s rooted in you, but should share your gifts freely, if not “lavishly.” We pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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