Having met the man on several occasions, I can tell you that the part about
the one ear is true, but will leave it at that. Bruce had a used car lot,
really selling used up or abused cars on Lomas NE in the 1970’s. A big man,
think of Grizzly Adams in a baseball hat, this is before they became popular and
only truckers and Little Leaguers wore them. Always in jeans and t-shirt, his
hat pulled down low, you would never notice his right ear was missing, the hair
and hat did its job, but then again, who goes looking for a missing ear. His
lot was just that, a lot that looked like the ones that sell Christmas trees in
December, worn out gravel, potholes that would swallow a Toyota, and cars, lots
of them. Probably just as he bought them, dirty, used, and all for sale for a
set price. You didn’t negotiate with Bruce, you asked “how much?” he told you
and he expected you to buy for cash only. No credit here, money talked and
credit walked. It was then into his office, an old travel trailer from the
fifties, tiny and paint faded, with “USED CARS” hand painted on it. Think of
Bruce a size 12 fitting into this size 10, NFL kickers do it as routine, Bruce
did it because he could. He used to brag that he made $300 per car sale, big
money in 1977, and averaged 30 cars a month, maybe stretching the truth as he
was the only employee, and often was out looking for other “pots” as he called
his inventory to sell. And that is where I met him...
I was selling AMC Ramblers and Jeeps. He stopped by often with stories to
tell, and to see what we had to sell. When no one else wanted it, Bruce would
buy it for his price, he was the same whether buying or selling, and known by
all the dealers. And as the new guy, got to hear his story about his missing
ear. Not sure how, but he claimed it got cut off when his head got slammed on
by a car door. Scooping up the ear, he rushed to the hospital where they sewed
up his head where it once was, and then placed his ear in his stomach area, a
scar he showed with pride, to store the ear until he had time to get it sewn
back on. How many times he had told the story, and lifted his shirt to show the
scar is unknown, I saw it numerous times, along with the story. But never saw
the ear, only where it had been. We all just assumed it was sewn up inside
Bruce for safekeeping, only he knew for sure, the stuff legends and lore are
made of.
Every time I go by a used car lot, I think of him.The string of lights,
some burnt out advertising USED CARS, that little trailer where so many deals
were transacted, but really I think of Bruce, no make that his ear. Not seen,
but heard of. Like faith, the substance of things not seen but believed, many
of us know the story of Bruce and his ear and readily accept it as truth, while
some may cast a doubtful eye, even after seeing the scar. But how many want to
believe a story, but have trouble with the gospel? From the Bible cannot be
taken as truth, to just a history book, a pretty reliable one, to Jesus was just
a teacher and prophet, many choose to believe a lie rather than fact. Bruce’s
scar led many to believe his story, but how many are like Thomas, who didn’t
doubt, as religion has painted him, but wanted proof before he trusted? Thomas
wanted to see the nail prints in his hand, he knew the hands of Jesus, and would
recognize them, and wanted to see the scars on his side, maybe even touch them.
Sound like many today? Who believe Jesus is dead, but Elvis is alive in Vegas.
But Thomas never touched Jesus for proof, he knew his voice, recognized his
hands, and fell to his knees, he didn’t doubt, he wanted proof, and the spirit
gave it to him. Just like he does to each one of us who accept him. Jesus knew
just what it would take to change us and he still does, from Thomas the
non-doubter to the skeptics of today. The proof of a living and infinite God,
the spirit is not hidden, but available, and is more than a Bible story. Maybe
step back in the story helps....
Jesus had been crucified, the disciples scared for their lives. Where was
his body? Had it been stolen? So they huddled together upstairs hiding, when
Jesus appeared, walking through the wall. All but Thomas, but we never know
where Thomas was. Perhaps by his character, he was out looking, he wanted
proof, he wasn’t afraid as were the others, and when told about Jesus and his
appearance, he wanted to see and touch him like the others did. But they only
saw, they didn’t touch, and neither did he, as Jesus was not resurrected yet.
It took faith, supported by works, and God provided both. And he still does via
his spirit. I choose to be sided with Thomas anytime vs. the misleading story
told in church. I rather know Jesus is alive and willing to prove it, not
hiding himself from me, but making himself available 24/7. He left his spirit,
remember he will never leave nor forsake us. It is us who have left him and
believed church tradition rather than trusting the scripture. Which comes alive
in the spirit, revealing the mysteries of Jesus to us. Need help with your
unbelief, seek Jesus. Need a used up car, seek Bruce. Have a used up life,
call on Jesus. Who when Paul refers to us as pots for the light of Christ to
shine through, means you and I. All we need is that new owner to make us new
again. All we need is Jesus.
I don’t know where Bruce and Jesus were in a relationship, but when
scripture says “to him who has an ear let him hear,” I think of the ear buried
inside Bruce. How many of us denied Jesus until the spirit intervened, and we
had both ears? How about the deaf, how do they hear? By his spirit we are
saved. Somewhere out there in the string of used car lots, there are many pots
looking for new homes. Used up people that no one wants, but are for sale to
the highest bidder. Jesus won that bid 2000 years ago, and Thomas accepted it.
So did 11 of the 12, the one who rejected him went out and hung himself. What
did they know that Judas didn’t? A who rather than a what. Do you have the ear
to hear? The spirit is calling, and unless you say yes you are saying no.
Thomas wanted proof like the others had, and Jesus provided it. He will for you
too. Having known Jesus for two score and two years, I can tell you he is real
and alive. His light never went out, and he appeals to doubters today. Both
Bruce and Jesus had a hole in their side where the truth can be found. Who you
gonna believe? He who has an ear let him hear, in God we trust, all others pay
cash. Just like on Bruce’s lot....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com