Money talks, and after watching the Mecum Collector Car Auction this
weekend, I found it also rides and drives. And those with the loudest wallets
spend the loudest. Some records were set, $7 million for a 1964 Ford GT40
prototype, and $50,000 for a 1971 Husqvarna 250. Once owned by Steve McQueen,
it brought over 10 times what a non-famous owner one did, buying the new owner
bragging rights to his bike, and being able to say he has one and you don’t.
For only $50k-such a deal! But many other memories were purchased and realized
this weekend, as those who came to seek and find did, those who came to seek and
buy went home with new vehicles. But sadly the highest priced ones, the
exclusive ones, the most desired ones will never be driven, they are trailer
queens, much different from Steve McQueen’s, who used to ride all his old
bikes. An attitude I like myself, as I ride my collectible Suzuki GS1000
monthly. What good is it if it can’t be ridden, I bought it for fun, it just
happens to appreciate every year. But full appreciation is never realized until
it is sold, and the new owner gets to show off to his friends, giving him the
new bragging rights. And setting the true value of the object, whether it be
cars, motorcycles, art, or dreams as what you pay for them. And this weekend
many dreams were realized, while others found the buy in price still
unobtainable. But then there is always the next auction, or a for sale sign
waiting for us to inquire. But yet the dreams continue, as the cost of buying
into them goes up, and many seem forever out of reach.
But yet many cars traded for obtainable amounts. Corvettes from $7250, a
daily driver, to the 1967 with just 2996 original miles for $725.000-guess which
one gets the most space in the garage tonight. You may be surprised that the
guy who spent the least may have gotten the most, for he will be out driving his
car, spending time waxing it and keeping it in tune, rather than locking it up
where no one can see or touch it. And for less than a used Hyundai, has
something fun to drive, and still to impress his friends with. And with all the
excitement of the auction, goes home with a story to tell, of how he outbid
everyone else and won the car. For a price, of course. And the same thrill of
hearing he won the bidding war...a victory at any price.
Now not all things are collectible, and some are just important to their
owners. I have the first bottle of diet Coke produced by Durango Coca Cola
Bottling, and signed by the crew. No value to anyone but me, it sits but I have
one, do you? And it is more important to say I have the first as opposed to the
one sitting in the fridge waiting to be consumed when thirsty. One refreshes
the thirst, the other the memory. Each one at a price, but for a different
purpose. And so bragging rights come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and
prices...with the tag line “I have one and you don’t” making whatever the price
worthwhile. It being Easter this Sunday, I am reminded of the Roman troops
drawing lots to see who got the robe of Jesus. Now whether it was
rock-paper-scissors, short straws, or rank winning out, I wonder why would they
want this poor man’s clothes? What could they be worth to anyone? And what did
his wife say when he brought them home? “You got these where? And you want me
to wash them with the other clothes?” So what were these men thinking, what
made them do it? We never know, but just for instance, may help you look at
yourself in Christ in a different way. So many who don’t know Jesus still wear
crosses around their necks-very trendy. But how many would still wear them if
persecuted for it? How many by wearing one show this is the only relationship
they have with Him? As if it kept evil and vampires away? But yet so many use
the icon of the cross, in vain. So if you wear one, why? Can you share the
gospel if asked? Or is it just a pretty bling item in your wardrobe? To Jesus
the cross meant death and horror, to us it means salvation. Not to be taken and
worn without value. It points to Jesus, who always points to His Father in
heaven, and the way for us to be reunited with Him in heaven some day. But when
we come to Christ, we also see how He bartered for us with His very life, and
when we repent and accept Jesus as Lord we win the auction. We won the auction,
He lost His life. And He has the bragging rights to our souls, for only Jesus
saves. And He isn’t a trailer queen only driven on Sundays. He is not just
among the wealthy or privileged, He is there for everyone, and anyone who calls
on His name. That day at the cross, some men bargained for His clothes, but
were unwilling to bargain for His life. Or theirs. They were that close to
Jesus, on the most important day of His life, and they blew it. The originals
who could say “been there, done that, and I have the shirt to prove it.” But
missed out on why and who.
Today you can choose who you serve, a well manicured God who dresses nice
on Sundays for all to see, or one who hung on the cross. Who got down in the
dirt with sinners, who paid the ultimate price for bragging rights for your
soul. And who will guarantee your safety into eternity, and beyond. What
auction of souls can promise what Jesus did and does? Maybe that is why Jesus
will still wear His scars in heaven, so we can see the road He took for us. An
all original Jesus, no replacement parts or rebuilds done. He is as He was when
He died, so that we can be as He lives when we die. The first, the original,
the only.
Who has bragging rights to you will show where you worship.
Some do it on two wheels, some on four. But those who know Jesus do it on their
knees...in awe. In their hearts. Maybe that makes the price of His garments
worth more, it did that afternoon to the guards. I prefer to know the man who
wore them that day...the value being in knowing the person. Steve McQueen’s
name on the title may inflate the price, and give bragging rights to the new
owner, having your name in the Book of Life and knowing who brags on you means
eternity. You are what you are paid for, and Jesus paid it all. So keep your
wallet closed, mouth shut and ears open-here comes the deal of your life. He
gave the shirt off His back for you, what are you willing to give Him? Jesus
Christ, I have Him, do you? What do you have to brag about?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com