Junk for a Premium Price!

by Pastor Gary Ritchie of One Way Ministries

Almost every Labor Day for the past twenty years, Susie and I have enjoyed a camping getaway close to Hillsville, Virginia. In addition to enjoying the food, one of our highlights is to visit the huge flea market. It is hard to imagine the sea of humanity that brings like minded people together like a flea market. But in Hillsville on Labor Day weekend, it is definitely not for the weak of heart. Many of our friends have joined for a weekend of camping and all have learned my interests at the flea market. First of all, a hot doughnut from Auntie Ruth’s must be had. The Mennonites should be proud as I, and my family, have proudly supported their enterprise for years.

Some would call me cheap, and milling around in the junk is just up my alley. In truth, I typically look for the doughnuts and lemonade, and peruse to find the next greatest find: Rope! Rope of all sizes. It becomes my quest as I visit all of the booths to find rope that would serve the needs of the farm.

Treasure Hunt?

In my mind, I realize that most of the rope is second hand, or has sat on shelves for a long time and may be near dry rotted. To some, the offerings would at best, be considered junk. But beauty and value is in the eye of the beholder. I always consider my flea market visit a success if I can find a few bundles of rope.

Hang with me as this memory causes me to think about a spiritual principle.

Each one of us were junk, with nothing to offer the Kingdom of God. Yet the Bible tells us in Ephesians chapter 1 that God chose us before the foundation of the world. One might say we were purchased as “sight unseen.” But God knows all and sees all. And he still chose me. The Bible says that on our best day, “our works are as filthy rags.” The Bible even goes on to say that Christians are a royal priesthood and a peculiar treasure. For that, the rope analogy makes sense. Junk purchased at a premium.

For the cost of human junk, God gave and paid with his very best (I Cor. 6:20)! Jesus’ sacrifice for my freedom. Jesus sacrifice that I could receive the promise of Heaven. The prize must have been in the eye of the beholder. For in me, and you, God saw something that sparked his eye. You were, and are, of so much value to him. I hope you know that! For when we place our trust in Christ Jesus, we are instantly elevated to something of value that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords chooses to claim as his own. Oh what a Savior!

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