All-Inclusive

Several years ago, we were in Florida for meetings and decided to tag a family experience to the end of the trip. Our oldest son and his family joined us, and we treated everyone to Universal Island of Adventure and Sea World. We were able to secure a reasonable price for the Universal two-day pass. However, for Sea World, we found a fantastic offer for a one-day, all-inclusive pass, which meant that our day at Sea World came with all the food and drinks included!

Our crew enjoyed our two-day pass at Universal Island of Adventure, riding many amusements without experiencing long lines, but Sea World became the big hit in our family! Our youngest grandson, who was five years old at that time, declared, “this is the best day of my life!” As grandparents, those words are music to our ears.

Recently we were discussing this vacation with these boys when the oldest of the three made this observation, “I loved Sea World because we could eat and drink all the stuff we wanted!”  That statement is accurate; we ate and drank all we wanted during our time there! We even experienced a downpour in the early evening during that day, which generally would cut the day short. Knowing we had an “all-inclusive” pass gave us the incentive to leave the park for a while, then re-enter and pick up where we left off, which we did! Our final ride was followed by one last dash for a special treat, right before the park closed, making it a perfect all-inclusive day!

I love the world “all-inclusive,” don’t you? We have enjoyed vacations, the pay-as-you-go kind, and the all-inclusive kind, and personally, the all-inclusive way is my favorite! I love that everything is paid ahead of time.

When we celebrate Easter each year, it reminds me that Jesus’ sacrifice was all-inclusive on our behalf. His death and resurrection offered the final, all-inclusive payment for our sin. There is nothing left to pay.

Read these words in the Old Testament, prophesied in the book of Isaiah about Jesus.

Isaiah 53:5 - “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” (NLT)

His sacrifice makes us WHOLE and HEALED.

Isaiah 53:10-11 - “Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins”

His sacrifice makes us RIGHTEOUS.

In the New Testament, we read these words in the book of Romans.

Romans 6:23 - “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)

His sacrifice gives us the free gift of ETERNAL LIFE!

Jesus paid the cost of our sin with His death, and His resurrection offers us the promises of eternal life and so much more! Healing, forgiveness, mercy, restoration, joy, peace are all a part of this all-inclusive gift!

Visiting an all-inclusive resort allows you to enjoy all the benefits, but it’s up to you! Choosing not to use it doesn’t make it non-existent.

In the same way, Jesus has offered you this incredible all-inclusive gift, but you must choose it. In the final book of the bible, you read these words.

Revelation 3:20 - “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” (NLT)

Our day at Sea World was memorable and outstanding in so many ways! Why? I loved watching my grandsons enjoy every last ride, snack, and drink they could fit into the day! As the “supplier of the experience,” nothing gave me greater joy than seeing their happiness

I wonder how Jesus looks at our lives. Are we living a less abundant life than He intended?
Jesus came to give us real life! Not a life filled with stuff, but a life filled with purpose. He wants to provide you what this crazy world cannot; it’s that simple, and it’s all-inclusive!

Purpose in your heart, accept this all-inclusive gift, and then live the life that He has promised for you. Be free!

Living our best lives,

Liz