Time Share

 

In my Father’s house there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will also come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:2-3

The other day while my son and daughter were visiting us, my husband received a promotional letter in the mail. He carried it into the kitchen and asked if any of us were interested in a cruise. Of course we all said yes. Otto then went on to read us the several great options we had for trips, including a few different cruises and one trip to Hawaii. Our son Paul laughed and asked how long the time share presentations would last. He joked that out of that week in Hawaii at least one full day would be spent with the promo people. He’s probably right. As my former salesman father would be quick to tell you, there’s always a catch.

Sometimes it’s worth listening to the hour or so presentation for the gift at the end. There are times when the company is selling something you were considering buying anyway and that makes it very much worthwhile. Most times, it’s a gimmick.

Remembering that conversation this morning I thought how different God’s ways are from the world’s ways. There are cases like this, where God behaves in direct contrast to the world. In the world we become a captive audience. They’re giving us a gift so we have to listen. With God, it is always our choice. We can say yes, I want what you’re offering or no, just like any other offer. Unlike the other offers, we can walk away before we even hear it.

Think about it for a minute. What if this life is the promotional phase? As a selling point for heaven this is not a great advertisement. Yes, there is beauty and love here but there is also hurt, anger, storms, illness, devastation, fear, etc. The offer is for a life with none of that. The promoter is telling us that if we chose His plan we will not experience pain or suffering ever again. We will live lives of joy, peace, serenity and love.

Does it sound too good to be true? Wait! There’s more!

Not terribly long ago my husband, Otto and I sat through a time share presentation. It isn’t a typical time share. It’s actually a decent plan. It sounded like something we would like and the places they showed us, the plans they have are really great. Then there’s the cost. Can you say sticker shock? Truly it wasn’t that awful, just not in our budget.

Now, let’s go back to what God is offering. We are in the promo phase, which okay isn’t always a good deal. Some days it is the lovely free trip. Some days it’s the steak knives and other days, it’s awful, painful, and scary. On those days we would quickly run if the present moment were reflecting what is to come. So we sit and we listen to the terms. I’ll play salesman and lay it out for you one more time. There is no weeping, no crying, no suffering, no pain, no work. There is love, comfort, blessing, peace and life forever, just to name a few of the perks. Are you interested? It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Oh and wait, there is also the part where the Owner will be with you now, while you walk through the ups and downs of the promo package. Oh and He’ll protect you, love you and comfort you right now. You don’t have to wait until you get to the destination. Are you worried about the sticker on this one? You should be. It’s pretty steep. It’s life. This kind of promotion is very pricey. The cost is blood, sweat, tears and death. Don’t walk away! You don’t have to pay! Jesus paid. He paid it all, blood, sweat, tears, ridiculous amounts of pain and suffering. There is no catch, no loophole, no small print. There are only outstretched arms waiting for you to run into them. In case it wasn’t clear enough yet, it’s FREE.

Shall we get the paperwork? I hope you’re saying yes.