Yesterday, I and the family went to visit some farmer’s markets and swap meets. On the way home we stopped at an oriental buffet restaurant to eat lunch. Without any suspicion, I was told my card was declined. What!? I was paid the day before and I knew there was plenty in the account. Nevertheless, my card would not go through. The tab was some $35 and I had $9 cash in my pocket. I left my family and went to find an ATM machine. I even made sure that it was one from my actual bank. It told me that my card was invalid. Now the day prior I successfully made a withdrawal. Trying to explain to the lady my predicament, who spoke poor English, was not delightful. Eventually, I talked her into holding my driver’s license until I returned to redeem it with cash. Heather had to drive home-about 40 minutes, we borrowed money from my son since we could not get into our bank which closed until Monday, and then had to drive back the 40 minutes to the restaurant. Once paid, we drove home again. Not a happy moment for us. Being rejected and told you can’t pay really crushes you. It is one thing where you hope it goes through, suspecting it may not, but crossing your fingers as the card is swiped. The rejection is just a bona fide “darn it.” However, when you expect it to go through it is another matter. Spiritually, many go through life like this. The whole time they believe that they are able to make payment for their offenses before God. Yet the moment will arrive where there is the sudden and terrifying realization that your method of payment is invalid. You think it is good and that it is covered, but a decline is in the making. Without the payment of my son, I could not have redeemed my license. Without the payment of the Son of God, one cannot redeem their soul from judgment. I can beg, plead, and make all manner of excuses, but in the end the tab must be paid and I am short. Regardless of the embarrassment and unhappy feelings, the requirements on my part demanded I approach the one who could pay. It is one thing to know your balance with God is wanting. You have an idea of what to expect even if you won’t outwardly admit it. However, it is another matter to think you are good and that by your own efforts your balance with God is fine. Declined. How many will hear that so unexpectedly when they thought otherwise? Fortunately, even the ones who know they don’t deserve the mercy of God may receive it, but they must approach the one who paid the price-Jesus.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 03:19:22 +0000
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