Sweet, Street Spuds

If there’s one thing that Japan is not short of, it’s vending machines. They’re everywhere! In front of businesses, factories, street corners, and even parking lots. Not just one, but several grouped together and all selling the same thing. Not candy and chips, but just drinks: coffee, tea, soda, and water. I have no idea why there is a need for so many machines, nor do I understand how it can possibly be profitable. Electricity is expensive here. But, in this sea of vending machines, a particular one stood out and caught my attention. It was standing alone and was different from all the rest. In fact, it’s the first of its kind I’d ever seen here (or anywhere). This machine was offering hot, roasted sweet potatoes. Now that’s impressive.

I had to admire the owner of this machine. Instead of selling sugary drinks, tea, or coffee, he was offering something of real substance. It could even pass as a healthy snack, or a simple meal. Sweet potatoes are popular in the Japanese diet, but how many people can there possibly be who are walking down the street and thinking, “Wow, I could really go for a hot, roasted, sweet potato”? Truly, this guy is “swimming upstream” and “going against the grain”. I respect that. In fact, I’d like to be more like the sweet potato guy.

In general, I prefer not to be noticed, just to blend in. That’s tough to do here as a foreigner in Japan. But, as followers of Christ, we should be different. We are called to be different.  And, we have something the world desperately needs, something of true value, true substance.  The Bible declares we have “the light of the knowledge of God” ¹.  It goes on to say:

 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV

These “jars of clay” are you and me! We’re not exactly vending machines, I know. But we are containers of this great treasure. And, it’s our responsibility, joy and privilege to share this knowledge of God with others. Jesus said in Matthew 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give.”  So, let’s start giving. There are so many people filled with despair; we can offer hope. There are so many deceptive voices causing confusion; we can declare absolute truth. And, in a world increasingly filled with anger and hate, we can offer His love.  

So much better than sweet, street spuds!!

¹ 2 Corinthians 4:6