We run our lives as a series of transitions. We go to work for a boss. In return, the boss gives us a paycheck. We feed the parking meter. In return, we get a spot to park our car. This goes on all day long.
But there is one transaction that stands out. It stands out because it involves an exchange of commodities that are priceless. This is the central transaction of the Christian faith. It undergirds our entire reason for living…….for being. This transaction defines us as Christians. This transaction dictates our eternal fate.
The background behind this transaction centers on who controls an extraordinarily valuable commodity and who wants that commodity. It is classic “supply and demand” at the highest level of the marketplace. Because of the interplay of supply and demand, the commodities involved in this transaction are the most valuable commodities in the universe.
So……who demands……..who supplies……..and what are the priceless commodities?
We are used to dealing with physical commodities in our temporal world: food, shelter, clothing, etc. But, the simple reality is that our time in this physical world is severely limited. The spiritual world is eternal. In the light of eternity, our time in the physical/temporal world is the blink of an eye. We need to consider supply, demand, and commodities in an eternal framework.
The cast of characters is very small……..God and us.
What commodity does each of us bring to the table?
God brings paradise…….eternal joy in his presence. There is nothing more valuable in the universe. Can you think of anything in your world that you would sacrifice eternal joy in order to acquire? Can you name any commodity that you would sacrifice eternal joy…….that you would accept eternal pain…….in order to acquire? Eternal joy, in the presence of our creator is the most valuable commodity in creation.
God controls the supply of the commodity of eternal joy……..we supply the demand.
We are the other side of the transaction. We are tiny. We have very little to offer. At least, that is how it looks from where we stand…….trapped in time. But, this is where it gets interesting. There is a commodity that we have complete control over. Furthermore, it is a commodity that God demands…….from us. Because of the nature of the commodity……..and because of God’s nature, God will not force……extort……this commodity from us. It must be given freely.
The commodity? Faith.
We control the supply of the commodity of faith………God supplies the demand.
And there it is. The most important, most valuable transaction in our brief lifetime:
We freely give God our faith……..our belief…….our trust…..our love. God freely gives us paradise……..forgiveness………justification. Each side of the transaction is a free will offering. Each side of the transaction costs the giver very little. And yet, on each side, the receiver gets something that they place extreme…….even unlimited……..value on.
Each side receives something that they did not earn…….something that they cannot or will not compell.
I can either give God my faith…….or withhold it.
God can either give me eternal joy……paradise……or withhold it.
And that transaction……..is the beating heart of Christianity. What amazes me is that so many good smart people refuse the transaction.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus describing the cost of our side of the transaction, Matthew 11: 28-30, ESV
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then, in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Jesus describing the value of God’s side of the transaction, Matthew 13:44, ESV