Christmas morning Pastor told of an overheard conversation. A group of girls were chatting as they shopped. One girl was telling of the present she bought for a friend, a member of the group she addressed. She told of her shopping trip the previous Christmas, finding just the right gift, liking it so much herself that she was tempted to keep it, but she wrapped it up and gave it to her friend.
She looked that friend right in the eye and said, “But, you never wore it, did you.” An awkward pause, but the group moved on before Pastor could hear the friend’s response.
It made me think of the gift God gave that so many people have rejected.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (Ephesians 2:8 KJV)
He loved mankind so much that He gave Himself for us. What happens when that gift is rejected?
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3 KJV)
I am always amazed by people who decide what God is, or isn’t, will or will not do, all based on our personal standards. Some will say that He is love and that He accepts all of His creation, rejecting none. To me, this is as selective a reading of scripture as Thomas Jefferson’s rejection of the New Testament’s miracles.
Few, however, carefully consider that question in Hebrews – what happens when we neglect God’s salvation. To me that has a double meaning – first, what hope is there for people who reject Him and what He’s doing; second, those of us who believe in Him, but neglect to do anything beyond accepting His gift. We have so much to give in return, but we do little – or nothing.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV)
Consider the price. Consider the gift. Will it be put to use?
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