We had a serious steering issue with our car. You can imagine the sinking feeling in my stomach when I heard just the parts would cost 1700 dollars. However, there was some good news. Those same parts could be retrieved from a car just like ours that is now residing in a local junk yard. The junk yard cost would be 300 dollars. Phew! I could live with that.
I am fascinated by my response to spending 300 dollars. Had I first been told 300 dollars I would have groaned. However, after hearing it in relation to the 1700 dollars, it was wonderful news. I am going to use the same psychology this week as we begin our fall semester. I will tell my students they have to write three major papers for me and then say, “On second thought one paper will be fine.” I’m hoping for cheers instead of groans over the one major paper.
How about this? We are sinners. We have to die for our sins. Our selfishness makes us unfit for heaven and eternal life. Am I hearing any groans? Okay, now comes the good news. Jesus did it for us! Now it’s time to cheer. I have such mixed feelings about Jesus’ death. I am so glad He did it for us. I am so sad He had to do it for us. It is a good news, bad news scenario.
Adam and Eve must have been shattered when they were taken from the Garden of Eden. Their eyes must have filled with tears as they were escorted out the gate. Then they heard the good news. There was a way provided for them to return. The bad news was Jesus had to die. The good news was He is the resurrection and the life and would live again.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 31, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574