John Kruk, ex-Padre and professional ballplayer, one time was asked by a woman at the airport if he was an athlete. "No mam, just a ballplayer." Good answer. So I just love it when this happens to me. I have on a Triumph t-shirt, with my Triumph leather jacket over it. Standing by my Triumph. "What kind of motorcycle do you ride?" she asked. As "like, duh" rings in my ears, I choose silence, hoping for no more questions, but based on her first question I knew they are coming. So as she asks "do you ride a Harley?" I decide to fight back. The other day when a woman asked me that question, putting down my helmet, I told her I didn't ride, I just found the jacket. And she wanted to know where did I find it? Sometimes there is no winning, so I just smiled, got on the Triumph and rode off. Knowing that somewhere out there, she has team mates, and they always seem to find me. Where is the target on me? Why could she see the jacket, but not the words on it? What would Kruk have answered?
What is Winnie the Pooh's middle name? How many cans in a six pack? Is the Pope Catholic? Obvious answers. Ever wonder why you couldn't see the invisible man? Because he was invisible! Yet put clothes on him, and wrap his hands and face, and you could see him-or the image of him. Now do you believe? Yet so much is visible and we choose not to. By the way, the T in Ragland T. Tiger stood for Larry, his father couldn't spell. That's his excuse, I'm not interested in yours.
Maybe that was why when Marvin Gaye sang "Heard it Through the Grapevine," we should heed his words, "believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear." Confused, he then pleads "if it's true please tell me..." After that advice? Yet-even rock lyric truth can be suspect when it comes to reality. And when trying to share God-who you can't see, feel, taste, touch-but hear, Marvin's advice may be more relevant than you think. That is why we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God. For instance-
The more people try to disprove the Bible, the more they end up proving it. Science can show why evolution is a theory, and not a fact. It can even prove there was a flood. Josephus, a historian, the contemporary of Jesus, substantiates that Jesus was alive-a real person. Even atheists believe he may have been a great teacher, or rabbi, and even the Muslims will concur with that. But God? He was seen by over 500 after being resurrected, by those who believed and those who chose not to. Just like he said He would do. And hundreds of prophecies foretold hundreds of years ago have come true, some to the exact date. Yet-many don't believe. Maybe, we are still victims of Marvin's lyrics, and don't realize it-yet. Maybe we believe the wrong half of what we see.
So I ask, why can't you see the Holy Spirit? First, because He is a spirit. Second, how many heard Jesus teach, saw His miracles, and were fed by Him-they could even tell what He looked like, and one even ate his last dinner with Him, yet seeing wasn't believing for them. The Bible paints a beautiful picture of Him, yet no pictures exist-no camera phones yet. When God talks of blindness He is talking of more than a physical condition-it is one of the heart, the soul. So He gave us faith, to believe the truth. It is based on who Jesus is, not what we do. And based on what He did, not who we are. Just a little faith goes a long way. Believing with our heart, and confessing with our mouth, that Jesus is who He says He is-the Son of God! Then we are saved! Not understanding, not requiring feats of faith to prove to others-but just believing. No paperwork or club to join. No volunteering to prove it. Just believe and receive! SEE!
And we don't save people! Contrary to church sermons, denominational doctrines, and lies-only God can save. And the only way to Him is Jesus. That is why we call Him Savior! The great commission is not us saving anyone, just us being a witness so others can see Jesus in us. The Holy Spirit points the way, and then convicts us of our sin. He then has us to disciple, teach, and fellowship with new and other believers so we are strengthened by Him. All without ever seeing who we are believing in! Too bad Marvin never got this.
While the world states "seeing is believing," God says "believing is seeing." While the world has faith in a switch to send light, we have the light that sends faith. The only switching we should be concerned with is switching to Jesus! So next time you are asked "are you a Christian?" don't just be wearing the t-shirt, or just carrying a Bible, or just be on the way to church. Stop and ask why they ask. Let God give them answers to their questions, and watch as the invisible becomes visible in their heart. As the spirit works a miracle right before your very eyes. Just show love, and care, and watch as God changes their heart. You just get to be the person God chooses to use. For somehow they saw Jesus in you, and not just the shirt. Share in love, for they have others out there like themselves. No coincidence God sends them your way. DUH!
And if you have told others you are a Christian, we all expect you to act like one. We shouldn't have to ask! Oh, and if you're wondering how I knew, "I heard it through the grapevine!" For you see, He means that much to me. And if you really care, why didn't you tell me yourself?
And that's why we have the Holy Spirit!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com