A Bid for the Redwoods

Several years ago, the radio station where I worked held a “silent auction”. The items were listed on-line, and people could call in their bids. There was a gorgeous photo of the Redwoods in a plain white matte frame. I loved it! I wanted it!

You see, the Redwoods are just about my favorite place to go. I especially love Stout Grove and if you have never been, may I suggest you make it a destination. Some of my earliest memories are of visiting this wonderful place. When I was younger you practically had the place to yourself. As time has gone on and more people find out about it, you might find it difficult to find a parking spot. At any rate, if you are looking for a magical place in the Redwood Forest, take Redwood Highway out of Grants Pass. Approximately 6 or 7 miles past the little town of Gasquet, you will turn left onto South Fork Road. (If you pass Jedediah Smith Campground, you have gone too far.) You will cross over the Smith River and in about ½ mile you will turn right onto Douglas Park Drive. Follow the signs. The road is dirt and gravel, so the going can be slow, but believe me, you want to go slow. The forest is so beautiful and full of plant life and animal life. When you are done exploring, continue the way you were traveling and it will drop you right into Crescent City, California.

But back to my story. I began to bid on this photograph. As other people called in their bid, I would offer something higher. When it was all said and done, I lost the photo. The bid got too high, and I really could not justify paying any more.

Fast forward to my birthday, or Christmas or anniversary, I cannot remember what the occasion was, but I opened a gift from my husband. It was that framed photograph! I was shocked and then amused as I realized we had been bidding against each other. In fact, turns out, we were the only two people bidding.

I had expressed to him how beautiful the picture was. I am sure I had mentioned that I would like it, but never in a million years did I think he would go to the trouble of bidding on it, and bidding until he won.

Isn’t that just like Jesus? Jesus won the bid. He won the war. The battle may still be raging, but the war has already been won and we can take comfort in that.

2 Corinthians 10:4 tells us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,” NKJV

We can claim victory now! Jesus won the bid, and He will give us victory.

1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” NKJV

There’s an old song that has the lyrics “Victory in Jesus”. It is so true. Whatever our battle, whatever our struggle, there is victory in Jesus.

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” 1 John 5:4-5 NKJV

Jesus gave everything to win your heart.

There is a song by Don Moen titled At the Foot of the Cross. It goes like this:

At the foot of the cross

Where grace and suffering meet

You have shown me Your love

Through the judgment You received

And You've won my heart

And You've won my heart

Now I can…

Chorus:

Trade these ashes in for beauty

And wear forgiveness like a crown

Coming to kiss the feet of mercy

I lay every burden down

At the foot of the cross

Verse 2:

At the foot of the cross

Where I am made complete

You have given me life

Through the death you bore for me

And You've won my heart

And You've won my heart

Now I can…

Has Jesus won your heart? He will outbid the Devil every time and He paid the ultimate price, the highest price.

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV

He risked it all. He endured torture that we can not even imagine, but He did it to be the highest bidder. Let Him have your heart.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Revelation 3:20-22 ESV