What s worth bidding on?
By STEVE SCHROEDER
Pastor, Parkview Mennonite Brethren
Just weeks ago, my folks-in-law had a huge farm sale at their home in Nebraska before they packed up the rest of their belongings and moved to Hesston. The sale day was cold and windy, but that didn't seem to slow down the crowd of eager buyers. I was with my wife inside a large building bidding on a few of the household items she wanted. Another large crowd was outside picking up bargains on many years' worth of tools.
What surprised me was how little some things sold for, and how much other things brought. For example, a box full of pots and pans may have brought one dollar. But, I was floored when an older cup and saucer from the kids' play toy box brought $27! I certainly didn't see the value the buyer did. Did he know something I didn't? And I could hardly believe a collection of old key chains Dad had kept brought more than $100. Who would have thought?
I guess people value things very differently. Maybe that's why we gave $12 for an old set of encyclopedias my wife wanted for sentimental reasons. As people, we're just that way. Certain things become very valuable to us even though they may mean little to those around us.
That sale day has left me thinking about how I value other things in my life. Certainly family and relationships rise to the top of the list quickly. But there is something else that, I must admit, holds a deep spot in my heart. It's something that, this time of year, we see displayed in our churches. It's an old, rugged, empty cross.
That's it. Two pieces of wood, fastened together to form a device used for torture and death. It's really an ugly, repulsive contraption. Who ever thought of forcing a human being to undergo such a cruel, painful, shameful way to die?
But that empty cross is priceless to me. When I look at that cross, I'm reminded of how God's sinless Son hung on one like that, dying as a criminal even though He was innocent. And I remember He did that on my behalf. I'm the one who is the sinner. I should have to pay a price for my sins. But He chose to do that on my behalf. Wow! To me, that is a priceless gift that, if I had to bid on it, would be worth my entire meager estate. I would sell everything and wave my bidding number at the auctioneer if that's what it took to get that gift of forgiveness for my sins.
Ironically, the greatest gift God offers us (the gift of total forgiveness and eternal life) is not for sale. Jesus already was the highest bidder. He bid His own life for me and for you. How can we put a price tag on that? All He asks is that we surrender our lives to Him, which I have done.
That farm sale left me with a nagging thought that maybe there are some things out there more valuable than I ever realized.
I hope this Easter season you take another look at an empty cross and stop long enough to think seriously about the value of that cross. What would you be willing to give in exchange for the gift of life and forgiveness? How about your life in exchange for His? Get your bidding number out. The Auctioneer is looking at you.
Social Security seminar is
Tuesday night
The 23rd annual Social Security retirement seminar sponsored by the Hutchinson Social Security Office and McPherson County Council on Aging will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at McPherson Senior Center, 112 E. Euclid, McPherson.
Anyone seeking information regarding Social Security status, benefits available, or how benefits can be attained are encouraged to attend. Time will be allowed for questions from the floor.
There is no charge for the seminar.
