She was fumbling with the key as the danger was drawing nearer.  She had opened the door of her car a thousand times before but now she couldn’t even get the key in the lock. She could hear it approaching, there wasn’t much time left…her nerves broke and in terror she began running. But no matter how fast she ran she could feel that inevitable slow motion, horror film feeling and she knew she wouldn’t get away. The last thing she heard was her own screams as she was devoured by credit card debt!

I love my credit card it is one of the most convenient things I have. But every time I use it I realize that there is a day of reckoning that’s coming. There is a judgment day where I will have to answer for how I used that card. Now it will be all good if I can pay for it on that day but if I can’t? Then the interest starts and my debt simply grows to monstrous dimensions. Kind of like life isn’t it. Life is like a credit card and what we do will have to be answered for. The bill will come due and what then? What if my life doesn’t measure up? The rich or the person with money doesn’t stress out about the bill, it’s the poor who is worried. Imagine that every day, with every mistake and worse than mistakes we are adding to our bill. What kind of debt has 20 years built up? What will it be after 40 or 80 years? Thankfully we don’t have to live with that kind of stress because of Jesus. Below Jesus is using a financial picture with a Pharisee named Simon. He was showing him what forgiveness does and the response it causes. I also added a verse from the Psalms to remind me and you that if God took care of my sin, he can also take care of my credit card, checkbook, and cash!

Jesus spoke up, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” Simon replied, “Teacher, you’re free to speak.” So Jesus said, “Two men owed a moneylender some money. One owed him five hundred silver coins, and the other owed him fifty. When they couldn’t pay it back, he was kind enough to cancel their debts. Now, who do you think will love him the most?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one who had the largest debt cancelled.” Luke 7:40-43

“He brings about justice for those who are oppressed. He gives food to those who are hungry.” Psalm 146:7