A Hot Dog, a Pickle, and a Chocolate Milk

Last night I spent the evening at one of my favorite places – the Carrier Dome.  I went to the Syracuse Men’s Basketball game against Notre Dame.  I had enjoyed dinner and a huge Orange win against a rival team with three brothers in the Lord.  It was a great night.  I had met the guys downtown and now I was headed home alone. 

On the way home I was driving up the Onondaga parkway and it hit me – that craving for a local favorite.  When we moved here in the 90’s, I learned quickly of Heid’s hot dogs.  I convinced myself that a coney hot dog, a half a pickle and a small chocolate milk would be the perfect ending to the night.Then I reminded myself I really didn’t need it, and to not stop would also save me a couple of nickels.  I quickly thought – it’s not that much and hey – why not?  So I rounded the corner coming into the village only to see the lights still on at Heids. 

I found it strange that no cars were in the lot, but they definitely looked open – lights on inside and out.  I pulled into the parking lot, got out of my car, walked to the door, and much to my slight dismay and somewhat greater disappointment, the door was locked.  Not only that but an employee saw me at a distance and shook his head no.  They were closed. 

Walking back to the car I was slightly saddened – but then it hit me.  What if that was eternity and you got locked out of heaven!  Pardon the connection and I mean no disrespect but here was what I was thinking.  I had a great sandwich for dinner.  I didn’t ‘need’ more food.  Not being able to go inside, might have been a blessing in disguise and saved me a little money.  However, there will come a day with a different destination that will be forever, and I don’t want to be locked out. 

The good news is you don’t have to be locked out.  That’s why Jesus came.  He’s the door.  Jesus said, ‘I am the door.  If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.’  - John 10:9.    This is not about a hot dog, or a pickle or a chocolate milk.  This is about eternity. 

The door is open.  Walk through the door trusting Jesus for forgiveness of sin, and the promise of eternal life.  It’s life’s most important decision. You will never regret it!  Eternity is for real.  Eternity is a long time.  To wait until this life is over is too late.  The door is open.  Trust Him now! 

Blue Bloods

Ok I admit it.  I’m hooked.  The show Blue Bloods has got my attention and I watch it rather regularly.  I’m old enough to remember watching Magnum P. I. and Simon and Simon.  Today it’s Law and Order and now Blue Bloods.  Oh, I’m sure there are more, but I’m drawn into the plot, the themes, the family dynamic, the stories, the plea for justice and the making of a deal. 

On a totally different note – but in some ways related - I’ve been reading a book given to me recently.  A quote I read yesterday has grabbed my attention.  In fact I’m still thinking about it today and was drawn back to it.  There’s a reason people get arrested.  The law has been broken.  A price has to be paid.  The gospel is a powerful story of righteousness, justice, law, and amazing grace.  So – here is the quote that got me.  You can find it in John Piper’s book ‘The Supremacy of God in Preaching’ – page 29.

The keynote in the mouth of every prophet-preacher, whether in Isaiah’s day or Jesus’s day or our day, is “Your God reigns!”  God is the king of the universe.  He has absolute Creator rights over this world and everyone in it.  But there is rebellion and mutiny on all sides, and his authority is scorned by millions. So the Lord sends preachers into the world to cry out that God reigns, that he will not suffer his glory to be scorned indefinitely, that he will vindicate his name in great and terrible wrath, but that for now a full and free amnesty is offered to all the rebel subjects who will turn from their rebellion, call on him for mercy, bow before his throne, and swear allegiance and fealty to him forever.  The amnesty is signed in the blood of his Son.

I’ve never been more grateful for the cross of Jesus Christ.  He paid my debt.  I owe Him everything.  The offer still stands for all who trust in Him.  Blue bloods may be just a television show, mirroring everyday life.  The gospel is for real, and paid in full by the blood of Jesus.  Trust Jesus today!