The Power of Free

Yesterday I noticed a wonderful sight on the evening news: Free Chicken at KFC! You have to understand that one of my first jobs ever was at a KFC. It was awesome. I could have all the free biscuits I could eat AND they paid me! Who could ask for anything more?
Yesterday was special though. KFC has a new grilled chicken item and they were giving away one piece per person. With a KFC right across the street from my work, I had to make a dinner run.
I expected a line but this was a little much. When I turned into the parking lot, sort-of, the tail of my car was still hanging out in the road. The drive through line was long and motionless. I spotted an open parking spot and quickly made my move. Already I could feel the excitement and challenge of getting to that chicken.
Inside the store was no different. There must have been twenty people in line waiting to order. Along the side filling every possible seat was another twenty or so people holding little pieces of paper. Each with a facial expression somewhere between aggrivation and anticipation.
I immediately began to worry. "Would I get my chicken? Would there be enough to go around? What were those pieces of paper? Did I need a ticket or some coupon from the newspaper?" I didn't really get the whole news story and so now the worry had set in.
I made my way to the end of the line and began to notice my fellow patrons of free. Everyone was there. Couples, singles, families, a lot of moms with there kids. I would do the same. As a new father to-be I thought about the power of a free meal for my child. Especially here, in this neighborhood. It is not what you would call an affluent neighborhood. I don't believe that this KFC was any more flooded than any other KFC any where else in Dallas, but I did wonder if this was an especially good blessing here.
I could feel my nervous excitement building as I got closer and closer to the counter. Finally it was my turn. I had so many questions. "Is this for real? Are you guys really giving away free chicken? Do I have to buy anything in order to get the free chicken?"
"May I help you?" the cashier asked with a weary voice.
"What do I get for free?" I asked.
"One piece of grilled chicken" she answered.
"It's not the meal? What about the sides and the biscuits?" I shot back at her. I just got here and I'm already working the system.
"Just one piece per person" she answered.
"I work just across the street. Can I get some for my co-workers?"
"They have to be here."
"Alright. One piece of chicken, side of mash potatos and two biscuits please."
Sixty seconds later I was sitting in a booth with the rest of my new friends, ticket in hand, waiting. Waiting for my mana from KFC Heaven. I was so excited. There was a new found since of pride as I watched the countless masses stream in and go hrough the same roller coast of excitement. A few folks asked what was going on. I was now in know and could easy reassure them that the rumors were indeed true. Free chicken abounds here. One piece per person, but you can order extra stuff if you want to.
I sat. I sat and I waited ... nine minutes. That's how long it takes to cook a tray of grilled chicken. Finally the next round of distrubution began. "Would I make the cut? Would they get to my number in this round or would I have to wait another nine minutes?" My mind was spinning. And who waits nine minutes for one piece of chicken anyway. Was this whole thing ridiculous or what. Surely my co-workers were going think I was crazy. Nine minutes for chicken?!?
Oh, that's my number they just called. I'm in! The lady packing my order then asked, "do you want some cole slaw?"
"How 'bout some more mash potatoes?" I said.
She disappeared for a second and return with my completed order: 1 piece of grilled chicken, 2 orders of mash potatos (I only paid for one), and 2 biscuits (I paid for both). She thrust a drink cup into my hand (free) and handed me my order. "Sorry for the wait."
I was almost in shock. Free chicken extra mash and a drink to boot. Whoa!!! Must be my lucky day.
I walked out of that KFC with a new found pride and excitement for life. Oh I had seen others leaving with a grin holding their little box protecting their free chicken treasure but this was now my chicken. I had taken the risk and won the prize.
I GOT MY FREE CHICKEN!!!
Once back at work all my co-workers came in to see and ask and get the story. I could see their desire to make a dinner run themselves but they all hesitated. No faith I guess.
Except one. He left and was back in 5 minutes. It took me more than 25 minutes. He returned empty handed. "That's crazy. I'm not waiting in THAT line just for a piece of chicken. I couldn't even get into the parking lot."
There was a quiet moment and then this co-worker made an interesting observation. "What if people came to Christ like that?"
What if?
What if the lines were so long you couldn't even get in the parking lot? What if the excitement was so great that you could hardly believe it to be real? What if you would wait an extrordinarily long time just get the meal you came for? Would you bring your kids? Would you tell others about the free offer of grace? Would you turn around and go home if the line was to long? Would I?
The power of free attracts people. Something for nothing. I got more free stuff than was even promised to me. I didn't have to buy anything. How much more do we have in the free gift of grace? And isn't it so much more than we ever even hoped it could be?
It was only a piece of chicken ... but it was free.