Don't Just Sample Christ!

"Since no man is excluded from calling upon God the gate of salvation is open to all. There is nothing else to hinder us from entering, but our own unbelief."  - John Calvin

You've probably been grocery shopping and have seen those small booths, or tables set up by vendors offering free samples of their products in order to familiarize customers with it.

They know that most people can't pass up an offer of food, especially if it's free! This is meant to grab our attention, and maybe some new customers. Mass marketing such as this has worked well over the for companies for years.

While it may work to promote, get people to sample, and perhaps buy their merchandise, there are certain individuals who have no real interest in actually committing to the product itself, only in the"free meal."

In John 6, Jesus ran into this sort of problem with the Jews after the feeding of the five thousand (John 6:1-15). Following this miracle, Jesus and his disciples ended up on the other side of the lake in Capernaum. 

The next day the crowd, whom Jesus had fed, soon found him and wanted to know when he got there. He knew that they hadn't pursued him out of interest, but because of the "free meal" he had provided to them (John 6:25-26).

The Jews had seen Jesus perform miracles, yet they asked for a sign in order to verify his claims, and legitimatize their belief in him (John 6:29, 30). This, even though they had already seen the greatest sign of all, Jesus (John 6:36).

Jesus had given the people free sample after sample hoping to of get them to see that he was the Son of God. However, the more "freebies" he gave them the more they wanted. 

Many choose to follow Jesus this way. They have no sincere regard for coming to, believing in, and committing themselves to Him; only in what they can get. They're just tagging along for the "free meal."

God offers that if we believe on Jesus Christ we will be saved, but we must approach Him in repentance and faith. It's up to us to accept it or not. He will never force it on us. 

No one who comes to God through Christ will ever be turned away. Still, some will never take Him up on his offer. Which are you? Are you one who only follows Christ for the "freebies," or are you ready to fully commit to Him?

Scripture: John 10:28, 29; Acts 16:31; Psalm 119:130; Romans 5:8; John 3:16 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your offer of salvation. I know it was made possible at a high cost, one I could never pay on my own, but that You paid unselfishly, in full, with Your own blood. It has made all the difference in my life, amen.

May God lead your path,

Lee