An unusual gesture happened recently at the check-out line at Good Value Grocery.
A slightly frustrated line formed behind a mother as she took item after item out of her cart and hurriedly placed them on the register’s conveyor belt. The items were necessary. None were frivolous or costly.
Hotdogs were rung up instead of steaks. The clerk shoved dry beans, rice, and other staples instead of more expensive processed food. It was apparent that this woman was carefully watching her expenditures and was careful to buy what was needed for her two patiently waiting children and others in her family.
As the items were rung up and bagged, the young mother opened her pocketbook and began searching for her purse or checkbook. Her movements became frantic as she could not find what she had sought. Again, she searched even the small compartments, but nothing was found. One futile attempt was made to check her pockets; still nothing!
A frantic and embarrassed countenance was on her face as she meekly admitted to the clerk,” I am so sorry. I must have left my checkbook at home. I have nothing to pay for the food.”
The message reached those behind her, and their body language and groans made it clear they were unhappy. A confused, aggravated look appeared on the face of the cashier as she said, “That happens, but I will have to get someone to put these things back on the shelf. Next time, be sure you can pay for something before you get in line.”
As the cashier grabbed the phone to summon help in ridding the unpaid products, all but one of those waiting in line moaned. The middle-aged woman let out a soft “Oh, my,” instead. She quickly grabbed her purse, went to the embarrassed woman, and spoke softly to the clerk.
“How much is her bill, Maam?”
Startled, the clerk checked the register’s tape and said, “One hundred eighty-four dollars and 12 cents.”
“Put it on my credit card,” as the concerned bystander paid for the shocked mother’s bill.
A sigh of relief escaped the mouth of the debtee and surprised words of gratitude thanked the generous giver.
The compassionate giver was not bound to pay the other’s bill. Still, she gave out of compassion and concern for the other woman and her family.
The debt-payer’s action was not unlike what Jesus did for all that will accept His payment for their sins. Jesus did not have to pay our sin bill. The humble son of God offered Himself to be the payment for all who trusted and called upon His name to be saved from eternal punishment.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
He could have avoided embarrassment and pain, but Jesus saw the need and did not want any to perish in eternal torment. The brutal punishment He received, and death on a cruel cross were for no sin He committed. He was sinless. It was for mine and your iniquities!
Unlike the fictitious indebtedness in the above account, our sin debt is not for one deed only. Our debt is for a lifetime of disobedience, ignorance of God’s will, purposeful ignoring of what the Bible commands us not to do, and countless transgressions against a Holy God.
Yet, out of unimaginable love for the creatures He created, God wants none to perish in a horrible punishment created for Satan and those that followed him. He is willing, however, to pay your massive sin debt by allowing the shed blood of His only son to be payment for your tremendous bill of transgressions.
If you accept God’s offer, all committed iniquities will be forgiven, forgotten, and under the saving blood of God’s Son, Jesus. Will you humble yourself and accept the Saviour’s payment for ALL your sins?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:6
