A Free Gift

Luke 14:18-20

But they all began making excuses. One said, ‘I have just bought a field and must inspect it. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I have just bought five pairs of oxen, and I want to try them out. Please excuse me.’ Another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

At Christmas one year a pastor hoped to illustrate God’s free salvation. He pointed to a beautiful Christmas poinsettia setting on the platform, wrapped in red cellophane with a ribbon, and said, “Whoever wants this gorgeous flower may have it. All you have to do is take it.” He waited, but no one came forward to get it. Finally, a mother timidly raised her hand and said, “I’ll take it.” “Great, it’s yours,” said the pastor. But then the woman nudged her son and said, “Go get it for me.” The pastor said, “No, whoever wants this plant must come and get it personally. You can’t send a substitute.” The woman shook her head, unwilling to risk embarrassment. She wouldn’t go get it for herself. The pastor waited, pointing to this beautiful plant. Someone snickered, “What’s the catch?” “No catch,” said the pastor. “It’s totally free.”

The pastor was just beginning to wish that he had never started the whole thing when a woman he had never seen before stood up in the back. Quickly, as if she were afraid that she would change her mind, she strode to the front and picked up the plant. “I’ll take it,” she said.

When the plant was finally gone, how many in the crowd regretted not going up first? The plant was there, it was freely offered, there was no cost. The poinsettia was obviously beautiful, yet so many people that night rejected it. Their fear of embarrassment or cynical thoughts kept them from accepting the free gift.

God has offered you so much more than a free poinsettia! He offers you eternal life in heaven where there is no more pain, suffering, or death. He offers you a life on earth that can be more fulfilling, happier, and joyful than you can possibly imagine.

So, what’s the catch?

There isn’t one! The gift of salvation is freely offered, all you have to do is claim it. Just pray something like this: “Jesus, I know I am a sinner, but I want to leave that behind and follow you. I accept your free gift of salvation, and I want to live for you.”

That’s it! And there is so much more! Find a good local church and begin to learn about this great new life God has given you!

And welcome to the family.

Today’s Readings: Genesis 34-36; Luke 14

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