Unbelievable. That's the only way I know to describe the circus surrounding the recent bailouts in our country. It's been interesting (to say the least) to see companies posture for assistance in the face of mismanaged funds and poor business strategies. Just as interesting to see those sitting in seats of power wielding their authority and "social conscience" in the wake of economic greed and failure.I'm intrigued with those coming to the table to request financial relief. Seems the bigger you are the greater your chance of help. Pity the "smaller" investment groups who get shut down 
and turned away, even as larger groups get the help they need, and then respond with lavish, self-serving celebrations. Pity the investors (the little guys) who have gotten hosed while corporate heads still somehow maintain enormous salaries, buy-outs and options. And the perception of the the Big 3 (auto makers) coming to Washington to ask for billions, and yet each one arriving in his private corporate jet! I know there are reasons, explanations and justifications, but didn't someone in Detroit think that was a bad idea?!
and turned away, even as larger groups get the help they need, and then respond with lavish, self-serving celebrations. Pity the investors (the little guys) who have gotten hosed while corporate heads still somehow maintain enormous salaries, buy-outs and options. And the perception of the the Big 3 (auto makers) coming to Washington to ask for billions, and yet each one arriving in his private corporate jet! I know there are reasons, explanations and justifications, but didn't someone in Detroit think that was a bad idea?!Even better has been the response. Of course, the smaller guys have lost out. 
No bailouts for those with less to offer in return. You see, the grace is offered according to value and worth. The greater the value of the company, the greater the likelihood of grace. But there was also a smugness, a kind of self-righteousness (at least to my ears) that some lawmakers displayed. The heads of the auto industry were reprimanded for their mismanagement. They were told that in the face of their inefficiency and waste they should be replaced. Good thing those same senators aren't held to equivalent standards. There's an awful lot of inefficiency and waste in our government, and I'm pretty sure they bear responsibility in all that.
No bailouts for those with less to offer in return. You see, the grace is offered according to value and worth. The greater the value of the company, the greater the likelihood of grace. But there was also a smugness, a kind of self-righteousness (at least to my ears) that some lawmakers displayed. The heads of the auto industry were reprimanded for their mismanagement. They were told that in the face of their inefficiency and waste they should be replaced. Good thing those same senators aren't held to equivalent standards. There's an awful lot of inefficiency and waste in our government, and I'm pretty sure they bear responsibility in all that.All this has made me consider again the greatest bailout ever offered. It has to do with the debt we owed 
God. Scripture makes it clear that our actions, our waste, our inability and unwillingness to do the right thing separated us from God and set us up for huge disaster. Not only were we messed up in the futility of our own thinking, but a certain day of judgment loomed just over the horizon. A time to balance the books and repay all of us for what we've done...and it didn't look promising. Our separation made us God's enemy and our destruction was certain. But God did for us what we couldn't do for ourselves- He provided the mother of all bailout plans. He offered His son, who would be the payment and take the penalty we deserved for our screw-ups...and that penalty was death. Death in our place.
God. Scripture makes it clear that our actions, our waste, our inability and unwillingness to do the right thing separated us from God and set us up for huge disaster. Not only were we messed up in the futility of our own thinking, but a certain day of judgment loomed just over the horizon. A time to balance the books and repay all of us for what we've done...and it didn't look promising. Our separation made us God's enemy and our destruction was certain. But God did for us what we couldn't do for ourselves- He provided the mother of all bailout plans. He offered His son, who would be the payment and take the penalty we deserved for our screw-ups...and that penalty was death. Death in our place. His action made it possible for God and us to reconnect. For those who accept
that bailout and walk according to its terms, there's now no more condemnation, no more judgment, no more penalty. We are set free to make wise investments, investments that will stay with us beyond this life into eternity. And that's what Christmas is really about- someone who cared enough about our situation, who found worth and value in us regardless of who we were or what we did, and who moved on our behalf to make it possible for grace to be showered upon us.
that bailout and walk according to its terms, there's now no more condemnation, no more judgment, no more penalty. We are set free to make wise investments, investments that will stay with us beyond this life into eternity. And that's what Christmas is really about- someone who cared enough about our situation, who found worth and value in us regardless of who we were or what we did, and who moved on our behalf to make it possible for grace to be showered upon us.I'm grateful for that kind of bailout. And for that kind of God.
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