There you are, just sitting, living your life and minding your own business, when there’s a knock at the door.
You get up and answer it.
It’s Jesus. He’s got a parcel for you.
“What is it?” you say.
“Forgiveness of sins,” he says. “Eternal life. My presence with you every day. And more.”
“Cool,” you say.
He places the parcel on the ground, and offers you a yellow document.
“Read this, and sign here,” he says, indicating the line at the bottom of the page. He hands you a pen.
You glance at the document. Everything seems to be in order. You can’t wait to get your hands on that parcel. You sign.
***
Some time passes. Years maybe. There’s a knock at the door.
You get up to answer it, but you don’t get the chance. The door swings open before you can get there.
It’s Jesus.
“I’ve got something for you to do,” he says. “Grab your stuff and let’s go – no, in fact, don’t grab your stuff. There isn’t time. Let’s just go now. Follow me.”
And you say, “What?”
Jesus fixes you with a stare, and then waves a yellow document in your face.
“Is this your signature?” he says.
And you say, “Ah.”
“Did you read the document before you signed it? Did you read it all?” he says.
And you say, “Ah.”
“You didn’t read it? I told you to read it. Count the cost. Don’t start a fight without knowing whether or not you can go the distance – I said that. Did you not read it?”
And you say, “Ah.”
