Posted on: Saturday, September 4, 2004

EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
An eternal VIP pass is a privilege

By Jacque Martin

In his gospel, John wrote, "Yet to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God" (John 1:12).

Membership in God's family is by grace. Nothing a human does can make this happen. And it is a remarkable gift.

Later in that gospel account, John the Baptist said, "He (Jesus) is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie" (John 1:27).

Like John the Baptist, I am unworthy to even touch the feet of Christ, yet I have been allowed to become a child of God.

My mind cannot fathom this. When I think of how unworthy I am, I think of one of the most hated humans in history. Hitler. I can honestly say that I would not have a problem seeing him put to death. Yet, without Christ, I am as worthless, despicable and heinous as Hitler.

I have had the opportunity in my life to be around important people. Once, I had a boss who was a close friend of a governor, which allowed us to be involved in important events around our state.

Another time, a co-worker was best friends with a U.S. senator. My co-worker even got to fish with a president of the United States when he visited our state. I got to help with the logistics of the trip, and even received a thank-you letter from the president. There is a sense of excitement, a feeling of being special. My husband and I got VIP tickets to special seating for a presidential speech. The most powerful human in the world was less than 10 feet away from us.

I have discovered that it was all rubbish, vomit and sewage compared to the privilege of being allowed to become a child of the king.

Yet, how often do I reflect on my extreme good fortune over this truth? I wake up daily and go about my everyday life not falling on my knees in praise that I am chosen royalty.

My mind cannot even grasp the significance of this honor. I have been given an eternal VIP pass and I dump it into everyday normalcy.

God, with my tiny human mind, let me reflect on what a tremendous gift this is that you have allowed.

Jacque Martin is a member of New Hope Christian Fellowship, Leeward campus. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.