God so Loved

I have often told this story, so if you have been around me for any length of time you have heard it. Still, I want to tell it again.

When my son was about to celebrate his 18^th birthday, I wanted to get him something special to remember it by. He is a Chicago Bears fan and his favorite player was Walter Payton. I went to the local card shops looking for a Walter Payton rookie card. They were scarce.

I finally found a store that had one in good condition. I asked what it was worth. The owner said something I have always remembered. He said, “It is worth what you are willing to pay for it.”

Think about that for a minute. That football card is just a piece of old cardboard with a name and picture on one side and stats for that player’s career on the other. What would you be willing to pay?

Now think about this. What was God willing to pay for you? Before coming to Christ we are pretty much just like an old piece of cardboard bearing our name and picture with the details of our life … but God looked at us and said, “I am willing to give the very best of heaven, my own dear Son for you. He is willing to give up every right and prerogative of glory to come to earth and shed His blood on a despicable Roman cross for you.”

So, what are you worth? You are worth what God was willing to pay for you.

John 3:16: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” [HCSB]

And we begin the Christmas Season with emphasis on what God was willing to pay for us!