“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, (then) he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
The day being Katie’s Birthday, I was out looking for special things. Not for things ON special, but things that WERE special… to HER! Having personally known her for over 45 years, and making a point to study and learn what she likes and dislikes, I was using that acquired knowledge to buy things I figured SHE would especially like. Then I discovered just how special, special could be!
My bride loves Twizzlers… Cherry Bites are her favorite candy. Going to a local store I found them in the candy aisle where, above the shelf hung a sign that said “2 for $4.50.” What surprise and joy it was to find out that I could actually get what she wanted at a special price! Grabbing 2, I went to the checkout where the lady said, “that will be $9.63 please!” My response was… “HUH?”
It turned out that the ‘special price’ was for ‘rewards members only!’ And since I hadn’t swiped a rewards card first, I was not entitled to the special discount! Providing some helpful suggestions as to why I really AM special, nothing would work! Then I remembered my special bride and asked,” Will you substitute my wife’s phone number? Instantly… ‘I’ became ‘special’ too… and saved $4.81!
When it comes to so many things in this life, and in the next one too, “it’s not what you do… but who you KNOW!” In the case of the candy, my special connection to my special wife made ME special too! Today’s verse is a Heavenly Special offered by Jesus Christ to ANYONE! That is… anyone who WANTS to take advantage of His offer! It’s a HUGE savings… but it’s not free!
Marriage can be a struggle when 2 independent people choose to lay aside their own interests to meet the interests of the one they love more than themselves. It’s like a law of diminished returns! When I give up my wants in favor of my lover’s wants, I get back more than I gave up! And Jesus promises the same special! Fruit becomes MUCH fruit when I join Him as a Rewards Member!
The cost isn’t really a debate. In fact, to get His special requires that I give Him EVERYTHING! Not just all my money… but the whole wallet, all the clothes, the house, the car and MY will for anything other than HIM! But the rewards to those who willingly take advantage of His offer… are out of this world!
So how about it? Are YOU special?
