On Oct. 3, the U.S. House of Representatives deliberated on the Senate's version of the $700 billion bailout package. Over the course of one week each house voted on ways to bail out our nation's financial system.
One expert called the process, "An elegant answer to an immediate problem." Some have said, "This action may be too little or too late." We will see.
On Oct. 3, the package was passed, which gave the financial markets a weekend to cool down. Reactions on Monday were not what was expected. The confidence on Wall Street as well as the rest of the world dropped considerably. Had a financial crisis finally come to a head?
According to The Associated Press, the Dow Jones industrials at one point posted its biggest loss ever during a trading day. As I write this, the Dow, for the first time since 2004, closed below 10,000 points.
The sell-off came despite the $700 billion U.S. government bailout package. It was to be the only hope to avoid a market meltdown. How is your 401(k) or 403(b) doing right now? Is there fear in your heart concerning your future, your retirement or even your job? We read of those who have become despondent over the failure of their finances.
Please don't think of me as being naive, but as you turn on the news, all you hear is the word "bailout" over and over again. The hope we put in our elected officials to do the right thing may not be hope at all. Only time will tell.
As I was thinking about this bailout package, I was reminded of the greatest "bailout" of all time; the price that Jesus paid for our freedom, security and for our salvation. He gave his life so that we might have life. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, "You see, at the just time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8)
All of humanity is in need of a bailout package. We are all deep in our trespasses and sin. We need someone to pay the price that no one could ever pay. That someone is Jesus Christ. The actions of Jesus Christ on the cross became the greatest bailout of all time. At the right time, God sent his son for all of humanity.
Humanity is powerless to bail out itself. Humanity could never fix the problem of sin. Over the course of history, they have tried but failed. Some have trusted in kingdoms, others in kings and others in political parties, but all have failed. The solution can only be found in the price paid by Jesus Christ.
The Apostle John echoed Paul's words, "God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son (Jesus). He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not life." (1 John 5:11,12)
If we are going to take advantage of God's bailout plan for humanity, then we need to accept Him as our personal Savior. Jesus Christ died and paid the debt of sin. What an eternal bailout! Still many reject God's offer. I believe what is happening right now, is God's way of speaking to us about our security. Our society is reaching deep down in their spirits and looking with hope and trust for someone who cares about what they are going through right now. My friend, God does care about you. He cares about your situation. No matter how dismal your future may seem, there is One who can give you hope in a time of hopelessness. I am here to tell you, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whosoever believes in Him, will have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Where have you placed your securities? On the financial bailout package or upon Jesus Christ? Our hope and security is found in Christ alone.
The Rev. John Grenier is pastor of the Oneonta Assembly of God church.
Print this story
E-mail this story
