A few days ago, Marilyn and I were running errands in Lancaster, checking off our to-do list, when lunch-time—that “glorious time of day!”—rolled around. As the Lord would have it, we were next to one of our favorite lunch spots: Steak n’ Shake. Steak n’ Shake is to fast food what Target is to Wal Mart. It’s value-added. It’s an upgrade. Listen to the name…STEAK N’ SHAKE! It says it all, doesn’t it?
One of the privileges of pastoring in Lancaster is that you become familiar with so many wonderful people. As we entered the restaurant we were greeted by people we knew—handshakes and smiles all around. While following the hostess to our booth, we back-slapped and chatted-up another couple. Finally, as we sat drooling over the full color menu (I’m not sure it even has words, does it?), another couple said hello.
After we’d eaten, I picked up the check and headed for the cashier while Marilyn slid into a booth to hug yet another “church person.” I handed the check to the cashier, who handed it back and said, “This bill has already been paid.” Taken aback, I said, “Oh…well, then I’ll leave a tip.” The cashier smiled and said, “Nope, it’s been taken care of!” “Wow!” I thought out loud, “that’s wonderful!” I looked around for Marilyn, only to see her crossing the parking lot toward the car.
I don’t know if you’ve ever had that experience when someone anonymously pays your bill. It makes you feel very special. The dollar amount, particularly in that moment, is not relevant; it truly is “the thought that counts.” I have to admit what I was thinking as I strode toward the car anxious to tell Marilyn the good news, I was thinking, “Oh, yea…uh huh…Cha-ching!…we just had a free lunch!” Under my breath I practiced the dramatic announcement, “Honey, you ain’t gonna believe this… someone paid our bill!”
But, by the time I reached the car I had to begun to realize that someone thought enough of us to do such a kind thing, and I got a lump in my throat. Instead of boasting, I fought back tears and in a broken voice told her, “Someone else paid our bill.” We both choked up. It had been an intense week for us and that simple act of kindness touched us both very deeply.
That simple act also reminded me that Jesus Christ paid my greatest bill. The bill for my waywardness and brokenness stacks up beyond any pay-back I could muster, and yet whenever I turn my empty palms heavenward, I hear His response,
“What bill? Your bill has been paid in full!”
I imagine angels, fully aware of what’s at stake, shaking their heads in infinite wonder at the grace of our Lord.
Have you, like me strode through the parking-lot-of-life, thinking, “I’m doin’ pretty good right now!” only to have it dawn on you that Jesus Christ thought so much of you that He emptied Himself for your sake?
Lord Jesus, what can I say at a time like this? As I stand before overwhelmed by your generosity and grace! You provide so much more than my daily bread, you supply me with forgiveness and a clean conscience. Thank you!
Read Romans 5:5
- What has God poured out into us?
- Upon what part of us does He pour out His gift?
- Whom did He use to deliver His gift to us?
- He give His gift of Love, but He also gave us the ________ ____________!
Read Romans 5:6-8
- According to verse 6, what was our ability to “pay” our bill when Christ died for us?
- According to verse 8, what did Christ’s death demonstrate?
- What is so significant about the timing of Christ’s death? (Hint: what was our condition?)
- Verse 8 says, “Christ died for us.” Have you considered you are one of “us”?
Read Matthew 18:23-30
- In this parable, to which person do you most relate? The one whose debt was graciously forgiven (verse 26)? The one whose lender demanded payment or prison (verse 30)? The one who turned his anger into unforgiveness for others (verse 28)?
- Consider your reaction to the evil servant. Have you ever done the same?
- Can you recall a time when you actually had a debt canceled? How did it make you feel?
- What can you “take away” from Jesus’ parable?
Read Luke 7:41-43
- Name several things the two men in the parable had in common.
- Even though both men had things in common, what was not common between them?
- How might this parable apply to you?
- Should the one who is forgiven less therefore love less? Why or why not?
Lord, I must admit that I often forget how you have patiently forgiven me time after time. Please raise my awareness to the times that I am unforgiving of others and empower me to overcome that flaw in my nature. Help me to realize I must forgive others as you have forgiven me. And thank you for “picking up my tab” and paying the price for my redemption!