My daughter and I had a fun relationship when she was in high school.  (junior high – not so much)  We were once in a thrift store just a week before school started.   I stood in the checkout line with a cart full of used treasures. 

I decided to tease her a little.  So, in an obnoxious, exaggerated, redneck voice, I said, “Girl do you need any of more of them thrifty back to school underwear?”  She smiled and said, “No daddy I’m good.”

Our family has always enjoyed thrifting – looking for used treasures that others have rejected.  I think most of us are OK using used things.

On the other hand, we might be offended to receive a cast off as a Christmas gift.  And yet that’s kinda what God gave to us.  You see… 

– God promised a gift to Israel. 

An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife because the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:20-21

God went Christmas shopping and settled on Jesus.  He chose to send Him to earth to save His people from the consequences of their sins.  He would eventually assume the throne of David and usher in the glorious Kingdom that Israel had forever anticipated.  What a wonderful gift!

– The gift was delivered

 Jesus was born in Bethlehem and nurtured in Nazareth in quiet anonymity.  Then at age 30 or so He removed the wrapping and revealed Himself as the promised Messiah and King.

Many considered His claims.  He offered Himself to the common folk and to the wealthy political/religious leaders of the land. 

They initially asked sincere questions about Jesus, trying to truly determine whether He was the Messiah sent from God. They even witnessed His divinely produced miracles.   But after due consideration…

– God’s gift was rejected

 Jesus wasn’t the right fit for them.  They wanted a Messiah that conformed to their narrow and rigid thinking.  They wished to ignore their sin and focus on politics instead.  So, they declined to receive God’s gift.  When Jesus was tried before Pontius Pilate, the leaders cried, “Crucify him!”  (Matthew 27:21)

– So, God gave His gift to another.

Israel outrightly rejected God’s gift and murdered Jesus for even offering it.  So, God took His precious gift and then offered Him to the gentiles.  The apostle John described it this way, “He came to what was his own, but his own people did not receive him. But to all who have received him—those who believe in his name—he has given the right to become God’s children.” – John 1:11-12

God’s gift to you and me in Jesus Christ was originally intended for another.  Hence, you and I have been offered a second-hand Gift.  It is a wonderful gift, but a second-hand gift none the less.

– So does this mean that this gift is less valuable? 

Not to me.  Two of my favorite guitars were preowned.  I don’t care who had them before me, I am just glad that they are now mine.  And that’s how I feel about Jesus. 

– Does this mean that we are less valuable?    

No, it doesn’t.  Paul once said that God chose us before the earth was formed.” (Ephesians 1:4-5)  So, what appears to be plan B, was actually God’s plan A all along.  He long ago determined that even the gentiles should enjoy His gift.  One more question….  

– Can I refuse the gift if I want?

 I guess you can.  God isn’t going to force Jesus on you.  That’s not how gifts are given.    But why would you want to pass it up? He offers an abundant life now, and a future forever life full of joy. 

God’s second-hand gift is a first rate, priceless, possession!

A prayer: Lord my hands are extended and ready to receive your gift.   

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you

Scripture passages are from the NETBible ®