Pretty Good

TITLE: Pretty Good
DATE: March 20, 2019
TEXT: Romans 3: 22b- 35- (RSV) - :For there is no distinction for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

Mark Woudwyk is the area regional manager for Food Basics grocery stores. There are two things that I would like you to remember about his job:

1. The community of Kingston, Ontario is in his area of responsibility and
2. Anytime something goes seriously wrong, he hears about it.

Both those factors were active and online when he was told that police had been called to the Kingston store after they were informed there were shoppers inside the store, and no staff to fill their orders or take their money.  

Mr. Woodwyk reflects on his feelings after the information was processed in his brain.  He says, “My first thought was ‘Oh no!”  Well it was true.

The Food Basics grocery store was supposed to be closed for the Canada’s National Holiday, Family Day, on February 18th. Somehow the doors to the Kingston, Ontario store was left unlocked and tentative shoppers soon discovered the oversight. They made their way into the store; found what they needed, and without anyone to pay, they left the store with their necessities.

Oh, I forgot one thing. They all left cash or IOU notes for the things taken.

In case you missed that…THEY ALL left cash or IOU notes.

You remember Mark Woudwyk the store’s District Manager. He said he was relieved he did not have to report any goods as stolen during the mishap. Once again… NO GOODS STOLEN.
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A spokesman for the police, Constable Ash Gutheinz said that he was proud of the community’s citizens for being so unique. He added, “We’re pretty impressed with our citizens that they would be so honorable, honest, so as to leave a bunch of money for the groceries that they were taking.”

I have to admit, I’m pretty impressed.

Now the question is, “Are the people of Kingston, Ontario different than the rest of the world.

Are they better; are they more honest, have they mastered their sinful nature? Maybe, in this instance they have… or maybe they felt the security cameras were on; or maybe they thought a neighbor would tell on them; or maybe they felt it was an episode of Candid Camera.

The truth is the residents of Kingston are like the rest of us. They are sinners and they are in need of a Savior. They need the Christ Who gave His life to win forgiveness and eternal life for all who are called to faith.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for this community which have set such a wonderful example. Truly many neighborhoods could learn much from their honesty. At the same time, I ask that the people of Kingston may acknowledge their dependence on the Savior  Who has died to win forgiveness for their sins. May all of us be brought to repentance and receive the Lord’s forgiveness. In His Name. Amen.

Today’s devotion was inspired by various articles, amongst which is the one written Anna Hopkins  Fox News Today on March 6, 2019.  Those who wish may check out this link which was, at the time of writing, fully active: https://www.foxnews.com/world/canadian-shoppers-leave-cash-iou-notes-for-food-at-unlocked-grocery-store

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He with his extended family have a great witness. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html