I am not much of a shopper really. I make do by adjusting myself to suit the limitations of the old things I own. Not daring enough and too shy, I don’t go out to shop for that new updated device that takes into account my limitations.
Yet there comes a time when old things have to go, so off to Willowbrook Mall I go, to shop for the better, the newer and the easier.
I sat on a bench in the mall comforting a cup of coffee. People stared at me, storefront pictures glared at me, the ads blared at me. Everyone was impatiently lined up at a counter wanting something new to replace the old. They all wanted a better device to replace the deficient. Better, easier and more fun, all guaranteed by the manufacturer to transform them into the person they wished they could be.
I got up and strolled to a kiosk at the end of the mall, only because it had no visually offensive ads, no screaming lying words on display.
Accidently I walked unhindered right up to the counter. The clerk was patiently waiting and said, “I can help you with one thing,” This turn of words tweaked my attention, made me relax and even smile a bit. With a quick glance around I carefully place my outdated device on the counter. No one was watching.
She smiled at me, not without pity, and remarked without accusing, “I see you are still using that old model. Well you will do better with this new model,” she promised. “You will find it easier to use, it has many new design features that overcome the old limitations.”
She gave it to me to try. I found it light, buoyant really, and very ergonomic. It pleased my senses, I must admit. “It looks good on you,” she offered.
“Feels even better,” I smiled back, remarking, “This is great.” Already I could feel my heart being drawn to this vastly improved model. I wanted to own it and care for it. I compared it to the old clunky text based device lying on the counter and I blurted out, “Umm, I would like to purchase a guarantee with that also, only one year. How much would that be total per month on a payment plan?” Feeling foolish, I had asked her with my head down, not daring to look at her. She did not respond and I was forced to look up.
Then she said quietly, “Listen, they are free as long as you leave the old one here and never come back for it. And it comes with a guarantee that lasts for life, nothing less.”
“That’s amazing,” I said, “How can you afford to do all that and run a business?” “It is not really a business, it is a living,” she corrected me, “Paid for up front, a long time ago by the one who guarantees it.” I paused trying to wrap my head around this while still wanting to thank her properly. She was already busy wrapping up the obsolete covenant putting it aside.
Slowly backing up a step I turned and softly walked away with the new covenant. This was a better covenant because its design took into account my limitations, while still offering me a joyful life. And it was paid for and guaranteed by the manufacturer to last my lifetime. All this was done to ensure that I would see him face to face one day and be able to personally thank him for this gift and guarantee. From Hebrews 7:22, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
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