Grubb: Free lunch
It is an incredible privilege to be a pastor in Lancaster, to become a part of so many people’s lives — or, perhaps more accurately, they become a part of our lives.
Recently, Marilyn and I were running errands in Lancaster and checking off our to-do list when we decided it was lunch time and ducked into a nearby restaurant.
As we entered the restaurant we were greeted by people we knew — handshakes and smiles all around. While following the hostess to our booth, we back-slapped and chatted up another couple. Finally, as we sat drooling over the full color menu (I’m not sure it even has words, does it?), still another couple said hello.
After we’d eaten, I picked up the check and headed for the cashier while Marilyn slid into a booth to hug yet another “church person.” I handed the check to the cashier, who handed it back and said, “This bill has already been paid.”
Taken aback, I said, “Oh. Well, then I’ll leave a tip.” The cashier smiled and said, “Nope, it’s been taken care of too!” “Wow!” I thought out loud, “That’s wonderful!” I looked around for Marilyn, only to see her crossing the parking lot toward the car.
I don’t know whether you’ve ever had that experience when someone anonymously pays your bill. It makes you feel very special. The dollar amount, particularly in that moment, is not relevant; it truly is “the thought that counts.”
I have to admit that, as I strode toward the car anxious to tell Marilyn the good news, I was thinking, “Oh yea, uh huh. Cha-ching! We just had a free lunch!” Under my breath, I practiced the dramatic announcement: “Honey, you ain’t gonna believe this. Someone paid our bill!”
But by the time I reached the car, it sank in that someone had thought enough of us to do such a kind thing, and I got a lump in my throat. Instead of boasting, I fought back tears, and in a broken voice told her, “Someone else paid our bill.” We both choked up. It had been an intense week for us, and that simple act of kindness touched us both very deeply.
That simple act also reminded me that Jesus Christ has paid our greatest bill. The bill for our waywardness and brokenness stacks up beyond any payback we could muster, and yet whenever we turn our empty palms heavenward, we hear his response, “What bill? Your bill has been paid in full!” I imagine angels, watching on, shake their heads in infinite wonder at the grace of our lord.
The Apostle Paul reminds us how God has been overseeing our steps from time into eternity.
“How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.” (Ephesians 1:3-4)
Have you, like me, strode through the parking lot of life thinking, “Ha, I am managing pretty well here on my own”? Then suddenly it dawns on me: I’m not doing anything on my own; I’m relying on every blessing that God provides through his grace.
Ron Grubb loves to tell life stories and apply God’s truth as he leads the Lancaster School of Ministry and pastors at Life Church, four miles north of Lancaster on Ohio 37. Ron welcomes your thoughts at ron@lifechurchohio.com.