Peach Pies

I remember when I was in high school…yep…more than 30 years ago now…our youth group was raising money for the 1992 LIFE conference to be held in Colorado.  There are always some “go to” fundraisers…you know what I mean…the car washes, the silent auction and of course…the bake sale.  This was a pivotal moment in my life as this was my first exposure to a bake sale.  It is a fascinating concept.  People bake all kinds of wonderful things like muffins, pies, breads, brownies and cookies, and then sell them at prices that are 3 times or more the cost that you could buy the same item at the local bakery.

I remember sitting the table filled with confections when Mr. Hinkle, a church member, walked in carrying three peach pies.  “Here are some peach pies for the sale!” He stated gleefully.

“Thank you Mr. Hinkle!”  I said appreciatively.

“You are most welcome…now…how much for the peach pies?”

“Which peach pies?”

“These right here.”

“These are the ones that you just brought in Mr. Hinkle…what do you mean how much?”

“I want to buy these peach pies.

“The ones that you just brought in?”

“That’s right.”

“Then why did you bring them in?”

“I told you…it was a donation.”

“Then why are you buying them?”

“Because I love peach pie…and even more so, I love Mrs. Hinkle’s peach pies.”

“Then why didn’t you just keep them?

“Because they are worth buying.”

I ended up selling Mr. Hinkle his own peach pies.  Years later I look back and see the redeeming work of Jesus in that imagery.  Jesus, who created us, gave himself up for us…he purchased us back to him.  He is alive and he makes us alive in him and he will resurrect us to be with Him forever…because He loves us more than Mr. Hinkle loves peach pie!

Jesus speaks of this resurrection in Matthew 22:23-33.  May we come to see the life that can be found in Jesus…a life that is both abundant and eternal!