Since 2008, one model was produced that was so popular even outside of Germany's boarders, that you had to figure on a waiting period of a couple of months if you wanted that car. That model could not be produced as quickly as it was being sold.

This is for me a picture of the way we people treat God. We think that we can deal with God the way clients do with my friend. We go to him when something has broken down, when we can't deal with our suffering, pain and problems. We possibly even give vent to our anger and want to force God to defend himself and have the nerve to ask at the same time if HE doesn't have something better to offer us – and if so, what it costs.

God, as my business partner, who exists to satisfy my needs, to answer my questions according to my satisfaction? He has to accept my anger and should apologize when something doesn't run right? And for many, most importantly: God should keep me running healthy and smooth.

No owner of a car dealership can give a life-long and all-inclusive guarantee, including even the assurance that I will not have an accident with my vehicle.

He cannot promise me that no part of the car with ever fail or that the electronics will never go crazy. And what he absolutely can't guarantee is that the gas prices will once again be so cheap as they were before the days of the oil crisis. Anyone with those expectations should buy their auto by someone else. In any case, my friend will not sell them such a vehicle.

By the make selling so well, things run differently. Most people who see that car want it no matter what – they fall in love with it. Discussions about the price? By such a hot item - no way! No seller lets himself be talked out of his price. That model is for real fans and too many people simply must have it.

That is well enough with the car. However, God has more to offer. He gives a guarantee that is truly comprehensive, and that – eternally. He promises to renew the things that are broken beyond repair. He listens to our doubts and questions and understands our sadness and anger. When we are His children, He does not send us away. God doesn't have customers. Be careful, therefore, when a church is out to make a customer out of you.

For those who do not want His son, Jesus Christ, God gives no guarantees. Through Jesus we move from being (what we conceive of as) customers to being God's children. Jesus said once, with His thoughts on God's guarantee: „I have come, that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.“ What Jesus gives goes much further than what we normally understand under the conditions of guarantees. He does not guarantee a life without pain, accidents and difficulties in relationships. He does not pretend to free us from aging and weakness. Yes, someday we must even die.

However, His promise does still make a difference: when we go through painful times, an accident befalls us or we are confronted with death, He is with us. He comforts us. He carries us through. He holds us, and above all else, He holds to His promises: After death there is a life without tears, pain and suffering.

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