Suppose someone offers you a “free” cruise around the world. All expenses paid.  You’ll stay in the finest accomodations, visit the most popular destinations and dine on exquisite cuisine at each port of call.

     Sounds great, doesn’t it?

     I can also accurately predict what your response will be when presented this offer of a lifetime:  What’s the catch?

     You know all the cliches. There is no “free lunch”. You can’t get something for nothing.  You have to earn everything you attain in this world.

     I suppose it’s human nature to question such a tremendous offer. Look that gift horse in the mouth if you will. I know I’d be thinking there must be a catch.  It’s probably one of those time share condo deals where I have to listen to the lengthy sales pitch and end up with a set of steak knives rather than that “all expenses” paid cruise advertised so prominently on the brochure.

     But what if the offer is legit?  Would you feel guilty about accepting? Would you continue to question “why me”?  Would you try and think of some way to pay back the giver?  This can’t be real, can it?

     I have another question for you:  What did you do today to earn your ticket to eternity?

     What’s that?  It’s not possible?

     Exactly.

     God’s grace is the ticket. GRACE  God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.

     As much as I loathe the Florida Gators, Tim Tebow was advertising that ticket under his eyes in the championship football game. John 3:16.

     There’s a reason that’s the most popular, most remembered, most identifiable verse in all of scripture.

     “For God so loved the world… that he GAVE… his only begotten Son… that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish… but have eternal life”.

     It’s a gift. You can accept it, but not earn it.

     Think about it for a minute. Could even the gracious goodness of a Mother Theresa equate to the Son of God’s sacrifice on the cross?

     But let’s be serious. I feel indebted (and rightfully so).  I must be able to return some favor to God in exchange for this gift of eternity.

     God desires but one thing:  A loving relationship.

     Many of you know that my faith foundation is rooted in the Roman Catholic Church.

     Perhaps that’s why I have a more difficult time coming to grips with this notion of unmerited “grace” that’s mine for the asking.

     Catholics have some different beliefs when it comes to heaven.  Purgatory for instance.  I look at it as sort of a bus stop on the way to heaven. It’s not heaven; nor is it hell. It’s an in-between place we were taught about as Catholics.  What advances one’s soul out of purgatory and bound for heaven?  Prayer. Intercession.

     Perhaps you’ve heard of this “currency of deliverance” called indulgences.  Prayers would produce indulgences on behalf of the dearly departed’s soul. Enough indulgences equals that long awaited (in some cases) ticket to eternity.

     If my recollection of history serves me, it was the corrupt practice of some upper echelon Catholics “selling indulgences” centuries ago that sparked the whole movement toward Protestantism fostered by Martin Luther.

     I think Catholic beliefs were just in keeping with that human nature.  It can’t be free.  Surely you must do something to earn eternity.

     Tough to accept sometimes.  When I backslide or get trapped in sin or during those moments when I my question my faith, surely God doesn’t deem me worthy of redemption.  Does He?  He couldn’t possibly. Could He?

     Fathers, the answer is as close as your own children. It’s called unconditional love. There are absolutely no conditions that determine or could impact my love for my daughter.  I love the faithful, smart and caring young woman she’s become. 

     It’s easy for me to say that I’d love her just as much if she’d made bad choices (and there are plenty available).  Truth is, I know I would. Such is the love between me and my child.  She might disappoint me, but she’ll never diminish the with-all-my-heart love that I’ve had for her since she was born.

     I’m reminded of a George Strait song. He’s among my favorite country singers and happens to be the only box set of CD’s I own.

     The song is “Love Without End”.

     The chorus:   “Let me tell you a secret, about a Father’s love. A secret that my Daddy said was just between us.  You see Daddies don’t just love their children every now and then. It’s a love without end, Amen. It’s a love without end, Amen.”

     Accept and cherish the gift.

- Steve

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