Dec
27
Proof of Purchase
Filed Under Devotional
I recently upgraded a piece of our entertainment system. While looking for info about this item, I noticed that it had a free movie rebate. Basically, after purchasing this item I could send in the UPC code and receipt to get two free movies. So, last night, I get out my X-Acto knife and proceed to cut out the UPC code from the side of the box. I also notice that they do not want me to send in a copy of the store receipt. They want the original.
This all makes sense when you think about it because they want to make sure you’ve really purchased the product and you intend to keep it. The UPC code proves you have the item itself. The receipt proves that you paid for it somewhere. Cutting a hole in the box and taking your original receipt discourages ne’er-do-wells from going through this process only to return the item and get free stuff. It’s not perfect, but it cuts waaay down on fraud, I’m sure.
This whole process is about providing proof-of-purchase. I’m reminded that this is basically what will happen to us at the end. We will have to present ourselves before God and provide a proof-of-purchase. This isn’t something someone can fake or finagle. There isn’t a way to weasel around the requirement. The process is pretty simple. If you can prove that you led a perfect life or, if you haven’t, that someone who did live a perfect life is willing to take the punishment for you, then you’re in. Obviously, we need to take the second option. Fortunately, we were purchased
“you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
“You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23
Since we are not the purchasers, we do not hold the proof-of-purchase. That’s for Jesus to produce at the proper time.
“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10:32
You’ve been purchased and Jesus holds the proof. Consider yourself redeemed.