Free Samples

Does anyone else plan their grocery shopping around lunchtime when the free samples are sure to be in abundance? I never know for sure whether I will hit the bonanza or not, but when I do, I don't need to even eat lunch afterwards. I just cruise along the store aisles, scouting out the tables guarded by employees who dole out miniscule taste tests and expect us to be satisfied. When they aren't looking, sometimes I will circle back for seconds, but only if it is a slow day and I know the food will go to waste otherwise. In case you don't already know it, BJs has the best free samples. Yesterday I feasted on an appetizer of the new Ritz chips, prosciutto wrapped around mozzarella, and cocktail meatballs. Then I moved into the main course of 4 different kinds of pierogies. I was too full for dessert, which was some frozen strawberry yogurt. I asked if we could perhaps substitute cheesecake, since I am never too full for cheesecake, but she scowled and sent me on my way.

I think it may not be BJs intent, but there is a beautiful spiritual message in this offering. We come to the store expecting to have to pay in order to be fed. Sometimes we don't have enough money for the really yummy stuff, so we have to be stingy and get the cheap luncheon meat which is loaded with BHT (an ingredient in jet fuel) and other nasty things that will eventually kill us. And then, unexpectedly we are offered for free, the very best the store has!!! We can hardly believe it. We may shy away, knowing we don't deserve it. But the people smile, and tell us it is their gift to us. Take the gift! Enjoy it! It is yours for the asking! It is delicious. You will see.

God offers the very same deal. We can earn our way in life, but we can never earn our way into heaven. We are offered the very best -- eternal communion with God Himself, completely free for the asking. But we must ask, and when it is offered, we must accept.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Free! Totally free! Come and taste that the Lord is good...better than cheesecake.
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Psalm 34:8
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.