It is the 50th anniversary of many things this year, The Beatles came to
the US of A on Ed Sullivan and took over, John DeLorean put a big motor in a
small coupe and created the GTO, and Cassius Clay, aka Muhammad Ali defeated
Sonny Liston. Being all of ten at the time, I can remember these events mostly
through the comments of others at the time, I did watch the Beatles, and forever
became a fan, was still young for the GTO, the big argument among us for speed
was Joey Coleman getting a 5 speed English racer, while we were stuck with
Schwinns and Rollfasts, and I can remember seeing Clay towering over Liston, and
the reports of all the money lost on the fight-Liston was champ, Clay a newcomer
with not much of a reputation, except his mouth at the time. But as the 50th
unfolds about the fight, much hysteria is brewing among those who claim it was
fixed, that Liston was on mob payroll and took a dive. And when reading about
comments made by those who were there and still alive now, comments like Clay
was scared, looked nervous, and the conspiracy theories abound if he really
didn’t win, did Sonny take a dive, and of course the rest is history. Bringing
boxing into national prominence, sadly making it somewhat like pro-wrestling, a
big show. And pay per view junkies still prove that today....the fighters get
more from TV rights than they do the fight....and they call it
entertainment.
We all know that the Beatles were show biz, and not controlled by anyone
else but the buying public, no one made you listen to them or buy their records,
although many parents discouraged their purchase altogether. And when they were
in town the same time as Clay, were asked to do some promo shots with him,
reluctantly doing them, they considered him a clown. And the attached photos
are of them, and Clay stating “you boys aren’t as stupid as you look,” with
Lennon’s classic come back, “but you are.” They knew even then....but fast
forward to today, and maybe he was right. The Beatles music is still played
today, and he is Sir Paul. Clay went on to become a Muslim, dodged the draft,
and today needs to be spoon fed, as the fights and hits to the head have turned
him into a slobbering fool, sad. This butterfly floats no more, the bee sting
of his punches reign on no one, one reporter of fame writing about that night, “
it was the night the cow cut up the butcher.” Today in calmer times we just say
the tail s wagging the dog. Score one for Lennon, TKO by decision. No one ever
called John the greatest.
When living in Florida, we spent many nights and afternoons at Pompano
Park, watching the trotters. Lassie had moved down, and played the horses, and
did OK, and clued us in, play the jockey, bet on the man in the sulky. And
although never betting big, when we did, we won. And interesting patterns
formed, and the name Jay Sears was among them. He could stop for a beer along
the race, and still win. Now I have no prove of it, but it seemed the races
were always fixed in his favor, and betting on him, won 5 Quinellas one
afternoon, picking the first five finishers-if only I had money to bet that
day. But the pattern was formed, and no racing form or gift could serve you
better than to figure the races were fixed. And so I think of Clay winning, and
the rhetoric being bantered about today, and I wonder, how much is really a
contest, or really a form of entertainment? Or just a show for the mob to make
more money? Will we ever know, do we even care?
The odds makers were there the day Jesus was crucified. They were betting
He wasn’t who He said He was, betting their lives. No one believed He was king,
Lord, or savior, except for a group of 12, and some women along the way.
“CRUCIFY HIM!” the crowd declared, when before a public court, illegal according
to Jewish law, and even found not guilty, interesting Pilate didn’t say
innocent. And watched and washed his hands of the whole thing as they took
Jesus away. The soldiers placing bets for his clothes, imagine what they would
bring on e-bay today? But when they found the tomb empty, they were faced with
a media nightmare, what do we report, and how do we report it? How could a dead
man roll away a huge boulder from in front of His grave? Must have had help,
but He was guarded by centurions, who if one failed, all suffered death. That’s
not it. Maybe He wasn’t dead, and He found a crack and pushed the rock away
just enough to escape. All this after being beaten 39 times, enough to kill,
hung on the cross for 6 hours, and finally a spear thrust into His heart, and
the water from His pericardial sac flowing forth. Now that takes a lot of faith
to believe. Yet few chose to believe His claims, and proof from His ministry
that He was who He said He was, the Son of God, and that His tomb was empty
because He was resurrected, after 3 days, just like He said He would.
Today we know John Lennon made fun of religion, of Jesus, and died a
horrible death. Unless he called out to Jesus is his last breath, he is in
hell. Cassius now Ali claims Muhammad is god, and unless he repents and turns
to Christ, he faces hell, too. Lennon was stupid, and his call on Clay wasn’t.
He may have been the greatest fighter, but that won’t gain you entry to heaven,
no Pay per View in God’s kingdom, He has given you all you need in Jesus. What
say you? Are betting on the horse or the man in the sulky? Are you betting on
hype, or the truth? Are you hoping that life isn’t fixed, and you have no
choice, living a fatalistic life just hoping you are good enough, to gain a
decision by the judges. Or are you making the safe bet, the only one to make,
and betting on Jesus? Undefeated, all knowing, and all loving-I wonder if Vegas
ever gives odds on His return?
Time to place your bets, I go with Jesus to win. No second place in
heaven, no Quinella window, just hell when you don’t. No rematch, no thrilla in
Manila, no pay per view. Jesus paid it all, and John and Clay lost it all, both
were stupid. And their peers knew it, they could tell. What are your peers
telling you, if it ain’t about Jesus, they are stupid too. Call out to Jesus
today, win the biggest battle, and hang on for the fight of your life, but have
eternal life. A sure bet, you only have this side of eternity to choose. What
will your story tell others in 50 years depends on who you choose today. Leave
a legacy of Jesus, the best thing you can leave behind. Become a winner by
decision, make the right one now.
50 years later half the Beatles are dead, Clay dribbles, and GTO’s now
bring 6 figures. Big engine in a little car, so why not a big heart in a little
person, a little faith in a big decision. Cows, Goats, Beatles and Clay-know
the outcome before the fight begins. Jesus the all time champion-where you will
be depends on who you bet your life on today.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com