Jesus saith unto him, …no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. —John 14:6
It appears the last milestone had part of its information chiseled out. Fortunately, the next marker was not vandalized. The third milestone said, “the wages of sin is death.” While the information that sign gave is accurate (and got us to the next milestone), by itself it was incomplete. What further direction should have been given?
Milestone Four – Romans 6:23b
“But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The fourth milestone announces a Provision: Gift.
What is this gift from God? Without exception, all people enjoy several of God’s gifts. Let’s try to briefly summarize what could be a lengthy list.
Everyone receives God’s gift of the earth—all that it contains and all that surrounds it. Everyone receives God’s gift of time. Minutes, days, and years become the span of a lifetime. Everyone receives God’s gift of human love. Wouldn’t you agree: It would be mighty lonely without family, friends, and even enemies?
We didn’t deserve these general gifts of God. We certainly didn’t earn them. Whether we admit it or not, we are regular recipients of God’s general gifts.
How is this gift from God, mentioned in Romans 6:23, more special than every other gift He has already given?
This gift is endless. This gift of God exists outside the scope of space. This gift of God continues beyond the boundary of time. If I asked you, “who lived longer, Adam or Methuselah?,” you might respond “that is a trick question.” It is true, Methuselah lived physically longer than any other human and Adam was the first man. Yet both continue to live beyond what we can see. The universe, as we know it, will one day cease to be. But this gift has no “planned obsolescence.” This special gift from God is “eternal.”
This gift is lavish. We may not like to think about the value of a gift that is given to us. We say, “it’s the thought that counts.” Let’s make an exception to this one gift from God. His gift is not cheap. Judas objected to the wasteful use of an ointment valued at a year’s wages. That would be a lot of money. God’s gift is worth far more. Its cost exceeds more than we can even imagine. Are you curious? Do you want to know what this gift cost God? He tells us the price but doesn’t add an explanation. How much did God “pay” for this gift? “Jesus Christ.”
What gift could be so valuable that God would exchange “Jesus Christ” for it and then give it to us? What is this special gift from God? It is “life.” The “gift” given by God is “eternal life.” This is the best gift ever! Freely given. With His great love. The gift of Himself, that cost Him—everything. The gift that rescues us from our doomed destiny and results in our peace on earth and our joy in heaven.
I hope it is a long walk to the next milestone. I’ve got to think this through. Aren’t you more than a little surprised by our Creator’s overwhelming generosity? Let’s walk slowly.
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