Salvation is like a “Cash for Clunkers” 1994 Dodge Ram work truck; 300,000 miles, bald tires, black oil on the dipstick and completely out of gas. Coasting it into the last spot on the dealership lot, the owner was finally trading it in.
Cash for Clunkers was a federal program from 2009 designed to spur the economy. If certain model cars and trucks, produced in specific years were traded in on new gas efficient models, then the government guaranteed a preset value at the point of sale. The enticing part for the consumer was the condition of the vehicle didn’t matter. The federal allowance was valid as long as the car qualified and the dealerships that traded the cars were able to cash the government checks, passing on the savings to the customer. Gas guzzlers from everywhere were being traded left and right for much more than their market value. As part of the deal all the vehicles traded under the program headed to the scrap yard to be recycled.
Just like the government pre-determined the value of the cars, Jesus pre-determined the value of our lives when he hung on the cross. The clunky, busted up truck is a reflection of life before knowing God. Some people never feel worthy of the high price Jesus paid for them, but in his eyes, his children are worth it no matter how they “feel” about it. Same as the cars and trucks, our condition doesn’t matter, our odometer doesn’t matter and our dents don’t matter either. We still have value to our Creator. He loves us so much he was willing to suffer and die for our salvation. Our price was set and our debt was paid in full by the One who made us.
Water baptism can be described as the believer’s declaration to the world that they understand their value to Christ. Imagine baptism as the believer telling everyone they know about the deal they got on the new car. They may even carry the paperwork with them to prove to their friends and family how much their old pickup truck was worth on their deal. They walk around feeling good about their shiny new ride, just as the person who was just baptized feels about their shiny new life in Christ.
So I Know Jesus Now What?
The “cash for clunkers” analogy still applies to those who have been walking with Jesus for some time. The car owners received brand new vehicles as part of the deal and just like them, all believers got a brand new life when they decided to live for God.
In response to Jesus’ gift to me, I want Him to use my life just like the owner of the 1994 Dodge Ram used his truck. I want to be able to compare my life to a work truck that exceeded the expectations of its owner. I want to pull up at Heaven’s gate with 300,000 miles, bald tires, black oil and an empty gas tank because God utilized my resources to the fullest. I want to be filled with purpose so that in everything I do I am able to take advantage of the opportunities he puts in front of me. I want God to spend me in every way he desires. When I’m called home to Heaven, I want to roll in on the fumes of a long life, lived full of service to the One who made me. The price Jesus paid for me was so high and I want his investment to sustain maximum returns. That way, when I stand in his presence, I'll get to hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Related Scriptures:
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Matthew 25:21 - His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’