“Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” No cost. Free. Gratis. No deposit. Think about it: what an incredible gift he is giving (and which we still receive). In an era when everything seems to have strings, the freebie God through Jesus give us is staggering, overwhelming, humbling, warming, a breath of fresh air, a lift up, a beautiful present from someone who loves us. Isaiah says much the same thing: “God is coming. He will take care of you. He will make everything better.” Though there is no catch, there is an obligation: without cost, WE, too, are to give. That’s the tricky part. But it’s so easy—we can give in so many different ways, from kindness, to acknowledgement, to service, to simple love. Now, I’m not one who succumbs to the easy and inaccurate assumption that the present age is worse, more evil, or more problematic than prior historical periods. More complex, yes. Worse, no. Still, when at the end of a week (or a classic Monday), I am reminded of today’s words, I am at peace. The world is still there, the papers still need grading, the knots may be no looser, but I feel God’s presence. To conclude: today’s readings remind me of John Wesley’s last words: “The best of all is, God is with us.” |