God’s Trade-in Deal

Imagine turning on your television and seeing a car dealer standing in front of a fleet of Ferraris. He says, “Hi, I’m Crazy Eddie, and if you’ll bring in your car and trade it in, I’ll give you a Ferrari. I don’t care what shape your car is in or even if it’s an old piece of junk. No need to put any money down. I’ll give you a Ferrari.”

Would you even bother driving over to see Crazy Eddie? Probably not. You wouldn’t believe him, because you don’t get something for nothing.

Yet God Almighty says, “I will give you eternal life. I will give you the forgiveness of sin. I will fill the void in your life.”

You say, “What’s the catch?”

“Give me your life.”

“Yes, but what else? Surely there’s something I need to do.” It’s hard to accept that God would simply forgive us. Aren’t certain works of righteousness necessary on our part?

God says, “No, you have broken all the laws. There is no way you could earn My grace or forgiveness. I offer it to you freely. But once you have received it, then I expect you in return. I’m giving you everything. Now, give Me your life. I don’t care what kind of shape it’s in.”

You say, “Lord, this is crazy. Talk about a trade-in deal. It doesn’t even work anymore.”

He says, “That’s all right. I’m in the restoration business. Watch what I can do.” So you bring your life. You bring your problems. You bring yourself to Him.

Jesus said, “If you give up your life for me, you will find it” (Matthew 10:39). This almost sounds contradictory. But He will give you the purpose and life you have been searching for. Don’t be afraid to give yourself to God.