God's Big Box Store

God’s Big Box Store

I needed a few items at the store the other day, so I dashed into GBBS (God’s Big Box Store).  I grabbed the first push cart I could find and began wandering the isles.  There were four items on my list.

Hundreds of people were in there that day, but we all managed to find our way. 

I walked past the isle of new cars.  It was packed. 

Then came the large screen TV sets.  That was a bit much. 

The Stereos were blasting and busy as any other section.

You should have seen the selections in the HUSBAND and WIFE isle.  And the people looking for a mate … astounding.

I was seeking some different stuff and kept moving.  I rounded the corner and there it was.  The FAITH aisle.  I reached for the box I thought was appropriate for my immediate need and put it in the cart.

On my left was a display for something new called ‘Forgiveness Fragrance’, so I pulled one of the dispensers off the shelf.  I knew I needed that one from time to time, so I tossed it in.

What I was seeking most was the GRACE aisle.  I found it, and pulled off a six-pack of the best seller.  I had used it before and knew it worked.

I kept moving.  “What else” I thought?

I found the HOPE section, and loaded up on the name-brand, and then came TRUST.  I needed a large box size of that one, so I loaded it in.

Well, I had checked off most of the items on my list and was about to head to the checkout stands when I passed the LOVE aisle.  I thought, why not wander down that aisle and see what’s new.

I had just barely started strolling when I came upon an item of interest.  I saw was something called God’s Extravagant Love.  I thought that was probably pretty expensive, and who was I to think I deserved to buy that for myself. 

But when I looked at the price tag, it said “Free – God’s Gift to You!” 

Surely this was a mistake.  I stopped a clerk nearby, and asked about that.  He assured me the sign was correct, and said, “As a matter of fact, most of the items in this store are free.  Except for the larger, lesser important items, like the cars and stereos and TVs, houses and stuff.  But these items in this section are free and available for the taking.”

I scratched my head.  I scratched my chin.  I stuck my hands in my pockets.  I pondered.  I wondered. 

Hmm!

God’s extravagant love … FREE?

What a deal!  Well, I headed to the checkout stand.  When my turn came, I was greeted by the attendant with a smile and a cheery “hello”.

As she did her work, she rattled off the times …

“Let’s see.  Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Hope, Love.  Your total today is … ZERO, simply because God loves you so much.

And the marketing message at the bottom of my ticket from the checker?

“The price of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.” (Romans 6:23)

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