We are very familiar with the old adage that everything has its price. Another way of saying the same thing is to note that there is no such thing as a free lunch. We see that as truth each and every day. All things cost someone something—there is a price to be paid. That is certainly the fact behind the principle of salvation: God paid our fare!

The whole principle and practice of philanthropy is rooted in the willingness to pay the price so that others can enjoy something they otherwise could never have or enjoy. God is not a philanthropist, however. He never established a foundation for the funneling of his gifts into the lives of the less fortunate. No! God allows us to bear the cost of love.

We read of Zachariah in the first chapter of Luke. A good and a God-fearing priest who wanted to be part of God’s plan somehow. What a surprise when an Archangel showed up while he was worshiping: Luke 1.19-20: The angel answered, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.’ This was way more than he was able to believe—let alone accept.

Because of his doubt Zachariah had to pay the price: ‘And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.’ The cost of God’s plan for him was nine months of being deaf and dumb. Why? So that he wouldn’t screw up with his own mouth what God had already ordered—the Christ Event! It made him a BELIEVER!