The Latest Thing

For those of you who live in the North Dallas area of Texas let me ask you a question, have you been to In-N-Out yet? If you have tired to go you know that the line of cars just to get on to the property is very, very long. As a matter of fact most people are experiencing a wait of over two hours. That my friend is a long wait just for a hamburger. The other day on my day off I decided that I would give it a try so I first discovered when they were planning on opening that day and I planned on arriving about 10 or 15 minutes ahead of that time. I had also decided that if I found the line of cars to be too long I would just wait for another day. There is just no way am I sitting in a line of cars using $3.82 per gallon gas to buy a $5.00 hamburger combo meal. Well, to my surprise I was able to drive right on the property and I parked in the next to the last parking spot and walked right in the restaurant and right up the counter and made my order. That’s right! No waiting! I was the 39th customer for the dining in crowd. There were plenty of tables available and the food was just what I expected it to be. I had done it. I went to In-N-Out and was in and out in just a few minutes.

I know that some of you are envious of the ease in which I accomplished this goal which so many thousands of people have spent hours trying to accomplish and there are still those who have yet to make their attempt to find the hamburger of their dreams. As much as you and I may like In-N-Out, it is for now just the latest thing.

Just a few years ago the latest thing was Krispy Kreme Doughts. Do you remember the lines of people and the traffic problems we would have every time a new location opened? I’m not sure it was anything like the In-N-Out experience, but for it’s time Krispy Kreme was the big deal. Now just a few years later the Krispy Kreme franchise is all but gone, but the local mom and pop donut places are still in business making donuts and other cakes for their daily loyal customers. These mom and pop places have never had the long lines, but their business is steady and they are still going strong.

Over 2000 years ago Jesus was the latest thing or person to get the attention of the people. He had thousands of men, women and children following him around the sea shore and through the market places listening to his every word. As time went on and his message became clearer to them attendance started to drop off. You see Jesus was not looking to win a popularity contest. He was not running for best new prophet. He was here to show and tell the world about who the Father was and about the plan the Father has for all those who would deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus. Once the people understood the message attendance dropped dramatically.

Today, Jesus is not the latest thing. Rather he is the only thing or person who can put you into a relationship with God the Father. Jesus is the only way anyone can come to the Father. Jesus said, “If you know me, you know the Father.” Jesus also said that he was going to prepare a place for us in his Father’s house and that he would come back to bring us home.

So my friends look for the latest thing, but rather look for the one who is the way, the truth and the life. Follow the one who came so that you might have life and have it to the full.

Oh, one more thing… while you waiting in line for your In-N-Out burger you might as well take your Bible because you will have plenty of time to do some reading.

Love God. Go Love Others.