Coming Together In Troubling Times

A story caught my attention that was recently broadcast on the local news.  Someone donated $5000 worth of gift cards at a grocery store.  These gift cards were to be used to pay for customers groceries between the hours of 6:00 and 7:30 a.m.  These hours coincided with the hours the set for customers over the age of 60 – those most susceptible to COVID-19.  A day was appointed for the gift cards to be used.

The early morning customers came in as usual and filled their shopping carts with needed supplies.  All was as expected until they went through the check out line.  Their items were scanned and the total due was displayed on the screen.  As customers were about to pay, they were told it had already been paid.  In fact, one customer was told, “It has been paid in full.”

Obviously, the customers received this news with disbelief and joy.  Images of customers with smiles and arms raised in celebration were shared as part of the newscast.  During this time of great challenge and pain for many, it was nice to see someone had taken time to think of those in need and made a difference.

“It has been paid in full” is a phrase that I have heard before.  Our Lord Jesus Christ said these same words while on the cross.  He uttered the word, “tetelestai,” a Greek term used in commercial transactions at the time.  When someone had provided the required payment, the word would be written to indicate the transaction was finished because it was “paid in full.”

Just as the shoppers had their debt paid in full, we can have even a greater debt forgiven through Jesus Christ.  As the images of shoppers celebrating flashed across me television screen, I reflected on the debt that Christ paid for me.  Did I have the same gratefulness and joy that the shoppers’ displayed?  Did I realize daily the great price and sacrifice He had given. 

We recently celebrated Easter – a day where we recognize Our Lord’s triumphant victory over death.  The story of the joyful shoppers helped me understand in a new way the joy that can be found in Christ even during these troubling times.  Our Lord’s death accomplished what no other person could have done.  He paid for our transgressions and paid them in full.  It is humbling to realize His death and resurrection, so long ago, still have a powerful impact for our lives today.