The Soprano

Things do not always appear as they are, or what we think they are.  Quarter pounders are before cooking, less than half after, and order a large pizza, and you get what used to be a small.  Same with soft drinks, large is the new small, and you can see the confusion.  Even the other day I boughtsome ice cream, which used to be a half gallon in size, only to find the price the same, but the quantity much smaller, even the container had a lip under it raising the bottom, leaving a pint out, or half a quart, or 1/4 of a gallon.  So in an ever increasing world, things are actually getting smaller, and like we were once told by a cigarette ad “it’s what’s up front that counts.”  And I wish someone would be up front with me.

My time in the boy Scouts was one of camping trips, wild times, failed merit badges, and being a perpetual tenderfoot.  I could do lots of the tests, just never get the badge.  Second class was unattainable to me, so I gave up, and concentrated on having fun on camping trips.  No badge in it, just a strip  fro the sleeve showing I had attended, or at least had been there, but I was having fun while some other very serious scout types weren’t.  Isn’t a scout supposed to be cheerful?  But one trip we all won our cheerful badges, a trip I never forgot to FT. Dix.  Not for Army induction as many would during the Viet Nam era, but as Boy Scouts, emphasis on boys.  After sleeping out in barracks, which we thought were cool, eating at the mess, and discovering why it is called such, we toured the grounds, which were partially closed due to the facility being abandoned.  What a great theme park we thought, all his cool stuff to play Army with, without ever going to war.  Such was the mind of a 13 year old when not focusing on Betty and Veronica.  Or bothering Mom for where did she hide your Clearasil.  But our minds were active as we played Army, on a real base, but no guns.  By Saturday night we were tired, and with no campfire were in bed at dark.  But not looking forward to Chapel the next day.  Religion was not cool to us, and the idea of getting up and going to church on our vacation was unthinkable.  But at o’dark thirty we were up, cleaning up in the latrine area, sinks not stools, and off to chapel by 9.  In uniform we usually stood out, but among all the Army khaki we fit in, and were given the front rows as guests of honor.  Not sure if the inductees in boot camp were required to attend, but the place was full.  And greeted by a rather large officer, a big, black man who looked like King Kong in stature, we were polite, and secretly afraid of him-he was that big.  But wearing a big grin, we relaxed, the service began, and he then stepped up to the mike to sing.  And the service was about to take on a new note, sort of speak. 

When this King Kong sized man opened his mouth to sing, his voice was lovely.  But instead of a bass, he was a soprano.  He voice was high, very high and lilting, and almost piercing.  And funny, so we did what cheerful scouts do, we started to giggle.  Then poking each other in the ribs we tired not to, until one Bruce Thiel, the jester of our troop, broke out in a huge laugh, and we couldn’t contain ourselves anymore, and we all started laughing.  Even the staid old scout masters who couldn’t hold it in any more joined in.  And soon we were all laughing, while Sgt. Kong continued in song, never stopping or pausing to look at us, he was focused on God, he was worshipping, we were almost in tears.  And no one said a word to us, and we sat without making a sound throughout the rest of the service.  But for the rest of the campout, and for weeks after we would greet each other singing in a falsetto voice imitating the good and faithful Sgt.  Probably the most fun, definitely the most memorable time ever spent in church up to that point, too bad we couldn’t get a merit badge for music for our ordeal.  And to this day when a large black man steps to the mike to sing, and I wait for Barry White to come out, I hold my breath just in case Sgt. King Kong’s voice comes out.  Trying not to start to laugh while I do in remembrance of the morning at Ft. Dix in the chapel.  Long before the series The Sopranos, we had met the original Soprano.  And another Jersey legend is revealed.

Scripture tells us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.  Yet many of us have bouts of whining and complaining, anything but joyful.  And many can share Jesus effortlessly, but ask them to sing and they clam up.  We all get self conscious of our singing voices, and many in church are inaudible, who turn out to have pretty voices.  They just will not join in making a joyful noise.  While others who cannot carry a tune sing out loud with all their heart.  Pride is what it is, and Sgt. Kong loved the Lord, and had a voice for it, even if we thought it was funny.  His laughable voice to God was joyful, worshipping God, while the rest of us....well we made joyful noises.  But why does God call our singing joyful, and noises?  Again picture heaven before the fall, Satan leading the worship, he was the musical director in heaven, and then got proud.  And when sin entered the world, it also entered music, and it never sounded the same to God ever again.   It was a noise to him even if we think it sounds good, but someday we will all sing in perfect harmony in heaven.  For God has given us a new song in Jesus to sing to him, one of forgiveness, compassion, joy, and love.  And some day our voices that sound like noise to him will be in perfect harmony with him.  Imagine perfect harmony with God in song...singing not caring who hears us like the Sgt. did that morning.  What a way to express love and to live a Christian life.  And we can do it right now.

Being in the spirit gives us perfect tune with God.  If we listen first, then follow, we have the perfect conductor, who knows all the words and all the instruments to lead us in harmony.  Better than the Beach Boys, CSN, or even the BeeGees, whose harmonies no one else could ever duplicate, we will sound perfect to God, and to ourselves.  Perfect without sin, and in tune, a by-product of forgiveness.  All from Jesus, and all we have to do is ask for it.

Today you can sing like a soprano, or sing like Tony Soprano, one giving glory to God, the other to himself.  God has given us a voice, and a song named Jesus to sing.  Sing him out daily and loudly, using words when needed.  Let the song of Jesus sing in your actins and attitudes, and when in words they will sound melodious.  Walk in perfect tune with God in the spirit, and watch as you not onlyhear his voice clearer, but your words bring him glory in worship.  To the unsaved still a noise, but to God a beautiful sound.  And it starts with the beauty of forgiveness and following the spirit. 

Ft. Dix closed years ago, and of all the men and boys who went through in scout uniforms or in boot camp, we heard the Sgt. sing that morning.  He earned his stripes that day, we almost lost ours, but fortunately by Jesus stripes we are saved.  To sing and laugh another day, enjoying life in Christ.  God gave us a song to sing named Jesus, let your life be an album of his greatest hits, and listen to them often.  Sharing, caring, and if at Ft. Dix bewaring of King Kong sized singers.  The words he sang that day gave glory to God, what do our words say about him to others? 

Be up front with Jesus and find out what really counts.  Inside of us is a loving message about Jesus just waiting to be set free.  Some come in large like the Sgt., some in small like our faith.  But to God each one sounds beautiful, remember that next time you tell someone about Jesus.  And how you suddenly just want to sing....a song from heaven that we can sing today.  Merit badges optional.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

 

3 years, unlimited miles*

We have come a long way in regards to motorcycle warranties. From no warranty expressed or implied on new bikes, and all the used ones I ever bought, to Suzuki’s revolutionary 12 months/12,000 miles back in the 70’s, with curious conditions, to finally a universal standard of 6 months/6000 miles bikes have gotten better, and so has the warranty.  And today with Triumph and Harley Davidson with 24 months/unlimited mileage, and BMW 36 months/36,000 miles many of us ride farther and longer knowing if we break, the factory is there to help.  And at the rate I used to ride, that unlimited mileage looked pretty good.  And then....

June 25th, 2012 was just another day to most people.  But to me it was a life changing day.  On that day I had open heart surgery, surprising my family, but then Dr. Peter Walinsky when he opened me up.  Fortunately it was no surprise to God.  Some details, I had been diagnosed in Durango as having a staph infection that filled my pericardial sac, and would later be drained in Albuquerque after being life flighted.  But I also had an aneurism on the backside of my aorta, which God had placed a covering over so it would not burst.  Confirmed by the doctors.  We later found out that just the aneurism gave me a 3% chance of survival.  But God’s warranty was in effect.  Peter wanted to study my condition before opening me up, and found only one other case in medical history of both conditions at the same time.  And as it would happen, he knew the cardiologist who did that surgery.  Do we see a connection here?  But when he opened me up, after having the sac drained a few days earlier, my heart was filled with pus, so much that the three arteries off the aorta were 98% blocked.  And were forcing the pus back into my lungs.  My heart was strong, the valves strong, just filled with infection.  And then he touched my aorta, and in his words “disintegrated.”  It exploded, and at that point I was medical history, the first and only.  For 5 1/2 hours my heart was out of my body, a transplant can be done in 4, and I have a plastic aorta.  All of it, not just a portion.  And when Peter greeted Theresa after the surgery, he told her I might not last 12 hours, he had way to know, I should be dead.

Dead, a word I was to hear from every doctor and nurse who has ever read my file, or was in the operating room, or attended me after the surgery.  But my warranty was still intact with God, and after 54 days in Albuquerque, 30 in hospitals, and 20 in Cardiac Critical Care, we went home.  Our last visit with Peter in his office at 5 weeks after surgery.  Who left us with two things, one the other patient had lived for three years after her aneurism and infection, and they were surprised.  Which disturbed us, but God had brought us this far, we weren’t giving up, and he certainly wasn’t and didn’t.  The other comment by Peter while hugging me as we left the office was “it is obvious that God intervened in this situation.”  From a highly skilled cardiologist, but not a saved one.  He had come face to face with God through my surgery, one he never forgets.  He was to describe it as the hardest surgery he ever did. 

So today being June 25th it is very special to me, and my family.  It is 3 years since my surgery, and my new aorta.  And I feel great, and still ride, just not as many miles.  But I still do, starting 7 weeks after surgery, after I should have died.  After God intervened and saved my life, and literally gave me a new heart.  I saw my local cardiologist on Tuesday, who gave me a clean bill of health, still amazed at my story, again confirming I should be dead, and telling me I have the heart of a 40 year old.  I’m 61.  My heart is strong, and “don’t bother me for another year.”  I see my internal medicine doctor next week, who calls me “Miracle Mike,” and cried when she first read my report.  Again, I should be dead....I hope you can celebrate the wonders of God with me, and his love, which is unending. 

So many tell me it is obvious that God has a purpose for you, or he would have let you die. To which I respond “you’re alive,what is your purpose?”  You don’t have to go through what I went through to have or know your purpose.  Today can be the day you get closer to Jesus Christ, where he becomes your Lord and savior.  Where you can go beyond church and religion and be saved.  Where you can be born again, where your life has purpose, and you can tell others.

The night Peter walked on the water in obedience, not faith, in Jesus, remember he asked “if that is you Lord, tell me to come” and when Jesus did he responded.  But we forget how close he was to Jesus when he fell in.  Very significant since he was so close Jesus grabbed him, and saved him.  Again a turning point for Peter, as he wasn’t saved until that point, he only knew Jesus as rabbi, teacher, miracle worker, physician and friend.  It was when Jesus literally saved his life, that things changed for him.  And when they both then instantly were on the other side, he was safe and saved.  Just like Jesus had told his disciples, “I will meet you on the other side.”  And Peter literally passed to the other side, going from death to life.  He then saw Jesus as savior.  How do you see him?

Many believe he is great teacher, prophet,and physician.  But deny his deity.  I was saved, but saw his saving grace in a way no other in medical history has.  And just like Peter, saw him on the other side.  Only Jesus saves, and only he can save you.  Recognize who he is today, and repent and be saved.  Be assured as Peter and I know that he will meet us on the other side of death.  That in him is life, with a purpose, and we all are invited.  None are left out, it is our choice to be saved or not.  How old do you have to be to get a new heart from Jesus?

So today on my third anniversary we will celebrate.  No one gave me a chance, and at 3 years it was doubtful I would make it this far.  Some warranties expire with time, with Jesus they don’t and his goes on for endless miles.  Just like his miracles-unlimited.  Don’t limit him today, let him give you a new heart that isn’t dead. Let him give you life which is precious.  And let him give you heaven which is forever.  Truly the meditations of my heart proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.  And savior.  When he calls answer like Peter did, and let him save you.  Grab that outreached hand, and meet him on the other side.  His purpose is love, and he died for you.  Become a miracle today, and celebrate with me for the three years that no one thought I would have.  I defeated death in Jesus...what are you waiting for?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

disappointment or appointment?

When told how the sins of the fathers visit their sons, our minds start to think of various scenarios.  Being a son, I tend to think of myself in past positions, but with my father’s passing, now I can only relate to the son part of it.  As fathers we only want the best for our kids, but too many instances occur where we try to live out our dreams through them, in other words we only want them to have it better than we did.  To have a better job, a better home, and to make more money.  If only they would listen to us, to have gotten the education, stayed away from fast girls and motorcycles, and made better choices. 
All the same things that their fathers wished for them.  But sometimes in their best wishes, they can stir up more trouble than they try to solve, and the sons pay the price.  It doesn’t have to be a big thing, at least to those on the outside, but when it happens to us, it can be devastating....fortunately kids heal faster, and forget...but do we ever get over it.

At one time I was a pretty good ballplayer, good enough to be one of the best players on my Midget League baseball team.  My first year I made the All Stars, and was so proud of myself.  I was chosen over others on my team to represent them because I was good.  I knew most of the other kids, and we were all excited about playing with and against each other.  Even at that young age we had no patience for those who couldn’t play the game.  But the coach that year was new, and at the first practice, it was all about his son, who was good, but no All Star.  He would pitch, bat first, and almost all the dialogue was between the two.  We felt left out, disappointed, and at the game, his son played all 6 innings, while most of sat and watched.  He paid no attention to us, and many of voiced it to our fathers, who went to the league and complained.  The league in response made a new rule, no fathers who were coaches could choose their sons for the All Stars.  Good we thought, looking back, but we forgot to look ahead.

The next season what had been disappointment turned to frustration.  Some of us had fathers who coached or umpired, and it mattered not how good we were, but who they were.  And I wasn’t allowed to participate as an All Star.  We could be alternates, which I was, and the kid picked ahead of me was good, but not an All Star.  Except to his dad, who had made a fuss that his son had been overlooked the last year.  So with some of us true All Stars not allowed to play, our team got slaughtered.  Which wasn’t bad enough to me, as it ended up our team sent no one, as the kid designated as our All Star didn’t show up.  His father still mad at the league kept him out, in a great “I’ll show you I’ll be stupid mode” he never told our coach, and as the alternate I never got the chance to play.  And to this day I feel robbed, I was good enough, but due to the egos of certain fathers was denied.  My failure of appointment had turned to disappointment...To us kids it was always a game, we just wanted to play ball, but to the adults it was about power.  Position.  Maybe forgetting they too were kids once.  And at age 11 I learned an important lesson.  And my last chance to ever be an All Star again.

I can imagine Father Abraham as a coach.  He would be fair, play to win, and play everyone.  He would face the obstacles in faith, facing possible disappointment, but hoping for God’s appointment.  Many stories have been told about him and Isaac, and in the simple words not spoken by God, we hear more than words can say.  When Abraham told them to watch the donkeys, that he and Isaac will be back after worshipping, he knew what lied ahead.  His son, the promising All Star of all peoples, was to be his sacrifice.  But how would he, how could he do that, if he was dead?  What was God thinking that day?  And with no examples or promises of resurrection yet, what could have been going through his mind?  With every step he could have turned back, wasn’t his motive enough for God?  But he had faith in God, his creator, who could recreate if needed, he knew God’s character of love, and trusted him.  God chose Abraham and Isaac to be All Stars that day, and as we know God intervened and saved Isaac.  Fulfilling the promise he had made to Abraham.  The Lord took Abraham’s disappointment, he loved Isaac, but loved God more, and it was replaced with appointment.  A special time, a special place, that Abraham named “God will provide.”  Even today the Jews have a saying that when going to the mountain top, God will provide. 

When we come to the place of disappointment, when climbing the mount of adversity, we know that God is with us.  For if he didn’t spare his own son, such love, then we can trust him to do what is right for us.  But we still need to climb that mountain, it stays while we move.  But we will reach the place of appointment that God has for us, on his time, his terms.  He will turn our disappointment to a glorious appointment.  And even while sinners, this love is available, imagine how much more when we know Jesus face to face, and know of his love personally.  Abraham was willing to risk everything, his precious son if God asked.  He found the character of God to be one of endless love, and was willing to give whatever God asked of him.

And so we see the love of the Father passed on to his son Abraham, who passed it onto his son, and God’s promises were fulfilled.  God has a purpose for us each day, and will carry us through.  We may miss a game or two, maybe miss the big game, but to God we will always be an All Star.  He sent his son so we could be part of the team, and he sets the example of how he wants us to love our sons, and to see they have a better life than we did.  But only in Jesus Christ will we ever find that success, the thing that disappoints being removed in a divine appointment.  The only answer not spoken to Abraham was if God expects him to carry on the promise through Isaac, he will have to raise Isaac from the dead.  And with that hope he obeyed.  Later we see Jesus going to the cross to die for us, telling his father “not my will, but yours be done.”  In both cases the only solution was resurrection.

The same resurrection we will have someday.  Passed over on earth, we will be All Stars in heaven.  We made the greatest team ever, God’s team, and all who have joined will be resurrected in Christ.  Man plans, God laughs, but real life can hurt.  Find your appointment with God today, let him handle the disappointment you are in, and watch resurrection power first hand.  And find that when you get to the mount, God has already provided in his son, Jesus Christ.  All worked out from a loving father in heaven, who only wants the best for his kids.  And you thought it was only a game.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

blame it on Bob

The spring of 1974 was going to be an exciting time.  We just didn’t know it yet.  Kawasaki had released its Z-1 a year earlier, Honda still has its 750, and BMW, maker of cars and motorcycles, the latter since 1923, was about to upset the world of motorcycles.  Less than 10 years earlier they were going to get out of the bike business, they catered to an older, stodgy, slow, touring crowd, their product referred to as the Cadillac.  Back when Cadillac was still the Standard of the World.  But a young Bob Lutz, who later would make history with Ford, GM, and Chrysler was starting his career at BMW, given the task to rescue BMW motorcycles, or close them down.  And it was his idea to redo the line, the /5 line was new, and modern at least for BMW, but needed a new flagship bike.  900cc’s to match the Z-1, touring capabilities with sport in mind, and styling unlike any other on the road.  His dream, his idea that saved BMW and started sport touring was the R90S, and for $3430, $30,000 in today’s money, you could have one.  Priced exclusively, it was like no other, from its bikini fairing, a first, gauges in its console, and stylishly styled, even unique paint, Silver Smoke, going from silver to black, each bike unique.  And with shaft drive to boot, it was my destiny to have one.  Only in January I had no idea I would be among the first, I was only 20 years old, was riding a 1972 R60/5, working, living at home, and happy with life.  90 days later.....it all changed.

When BH made history by being thrown out of Bucknell for disciplinary reasons, we had both had it with New Jersey, so headed south to Florida, on our bikes, he on his CB750, and me the R60.  Which was soon replaced with an R90/6, the newest BMW when a car made a left turn from the right lane.  I was busted up pretty bad, but would recover, and the bike totaled with only 406 miles, only 4 days old.  Going back to 441 Cycle in Ft. Lauderdale for a replacement, the S had just arrived, from being on display at Daytona, and I fell in love.  With insurance settlement money in hand, and my left wrist out of a cast, I plunked down the $3430 for it.  Extra for the Dunstall Low Decibel pipes.  In a day when a Honda 750 was still $1800, the Z-1 around $2100, this was stupid money to some, but to me it was a dream.  Blame it on Bob, but the R90S was to change my life, and be my final exit ride from Jersey a year later.  It was fast, smooth, looked like no other on the road, and was fast.  Did I mention that?  Wherever I went it drew a crowd, and at the Marcus Dairy on Sunday mornings the BMW loyal all gathered around, the old timers didn’t like it, too modern, but secretly knew they probably couldn’t ride all that power.  All others gaped in amazement, either lusting or thinking how stupid I was to spend so much, others were faster, some may handle better, but none were like it.  And for 16,607 miles in less than a year, it was mine, all mine.  Until the Wildman pushed the starter button, and the motor came apart, another story for another time....blame it on Bob.

After a long and tedious process having the motor rebuilt, an engineering defect, I was off to New Mexico on it.  Where it got me a job selling BMW’s, along with Suzuki’s and Triumphs.  I had just become a Christian, and now with God to worship, I was having trouble focusing on him, rather than my prized possession.  My riding style along with my riding friends changed, and soon it was evident that my prized R90S was getting between me and God.  I loved Jesus, but sometimes I loved it more, and it was becoming a burden.  Some fanatical Christian brothers told me to sell it, calling it “the devil’s machine,” too much speed, too much anything, what they were was jealous.  God wants us to have nice things, just not to idolize them. Which I did.  But after prayer, God left it up to me, and guided by his spirit, decided to sell it.  I had a peace, it was my decision, and God filled me with joy at the decision.  Scripture tells us to seek him first, and he will add all things to us, including righteousness.  I needed to be righteous, and humbling is better than humiliated.  So the S went up for sale, with over 44,000 miles on it, less than 2 years old, and the stuff dreams are made of.  It had taken me places I had never been, opened up sport touring to me and the next generations, and then became a stumbling block.  So finally I traded it, to a girl, getting cash and a 1973 XS500 Yamaha, a major step down, pride being defeated, and God being honored.  The bike I couldn’t wait to get, I couldn’t wait to sell, and when it was gone I had no regrets.  My priorities were right, Jesus then motorcycles, something even my Christian friends didn’t get.  But I did, but only by the spirit of God.  I had one, a first one, and tell stories at bike shows when I see them on display.  A legend now, at the time it was just my ride, today some 40 years later, they are idolized, fully collectible, and expensive, if you can find one.  Blame it on Bob....the savior of BMW motorcycles, fortunately my savior saves souls.   And wants to have no other God before him.  

I often miss that bike, and wonder how things may have become different if I had kept it.  But in the end, I am still glad I sold it.  It came down to my choice, just like it comes down to our choice about Jesus, and I made the right choice both times.  James warns us a double minded man is unstable in all matters, I was and didn’t know it.  Serving both God and BMW.  But choosing God first has opened up many doors to ride, and he has given me the passion for motorcycling.  And at almost 1 million miles ridden, that one bike may have stood in the way.  It was my choice to buy, and my choice to sell, for love does not demand its own way.  God will never force his will on you, no matter what or if you ride.  But in the spirit, we see the truth, and God guides us.  Today that bike is a part of my testimony, I just didn’t know it then.  The events of today are forming your testimony, so seek God today.  Be led by the spirit, and when seeking God first, he gives you the desires of your heart.  And when he is the desire of your heart, well bikes will come and go, Jesus never quits you. 

$3430 was an expensive entry fee, what Jesus paid for us is priceless.  He was there in the events that led up to me buying it, and then selling it too.  He was with me when I rode, and when it blew up.  It had become my God, even girls commented I rather ride than be with them, but Jesus changed all that.  He showed me the proper priorities, and although I paid a price, if I had not sold it the price may have been to much for me to handle.  I could have blamed it on Bob, but it is our choice, just like it was mine. 

So excuse me when I get misty eyed around any R90S at a show.  And listen to the stories, some true, some not so true.  I was there, I know and still know.  She was and is a part of my testimony, something no one can take away.  Maybe the famous quote of Jim Elliot says it best, who gave his life as a missionary.  “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  I gave up a motorcycle, I didn’t give up riding.  Or give up on God.  Be led by is spirit, and go places no bike can ever take you.  The R90S is legendary, and a legend, only Jesus is forever.  Bob knew, I know, now you know.  Jesus saves...and you thought only loud pipes did.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

seating arrangements and the lead dog theory exposed

My old boss Rick Williams used to tell us “unless you are the lead dog, the view never changes,” hoping to encourage and motivate us to greater things.  He didn’t take into account that to lead it takes followers, and when he was fired his view changed drastically.  Ours didn’t.  So much for the lead dog theory.  On our recent 10 day, 2500 mile ride on our new/old Tiger 1050, we rode through Northern California, beautiful, and into Oregon and Nevada.  Theresa took over 2000+ pictures, many from the back, and when looking at them, she saw a different ride than I did at times.  While I was looking at the road, she was looking at the countryside, everywhere else, and although she sat behind me, her view changed while mine didn’t.  Again debunking the lead dog theory, but proving again the best place to sit is behind bars, handlebars that is.

On one trip with Andrew we rode on the Cannonball Express of Petticoat Junction fame.  We sat in the first seat in the first car behind the coal car, seeing all the activity going on in the engine, and smelling the burning coal while having our faces covered in soot.  Noisy and busy, we loved it, until when the ride ended, or changed direction to come back.  We stayed stationary while the engine via a siding switched ends of the train.  We were now last, and all the action was far in front of us.  And sitting in the same seats, the seatbacks changed position, we rode back looking ahead still, but our view changed drastically.  How many can remember fighting over the last seat in our parent’s station wagon?  Far from parents, we could barely hear the radio above the 360 degree air conditioning-all windows open, and were in our own little world.  Then Chrysler changed all that providing a seat facing rearward.  Suddenly we were seeing where we had been while we were going.  How many drivers in back of us were intimidated by us staring ahead at them, or was that behind?  Then Ford introduced the Magic Tailgate, that opened both ways, and introduced seating for 4, facing each other.  We were now faced with looking out to the sides, neither ahead or behind.  Does the sound of “Mom he’s touching me” mean anything to you?  Are we there yet?

Another seating position I don’t get is couples sitting next to each other on the same side while eating.  Like riding in the car, they don’t face each other.  I like to see who I am eating with, and talk to them, across the table, not beside them.  And how many have fallen prey to texting and emailing at the table.  A restaurant we heard of provides a basket to place all cell phones while eating, forcing those who eat there to talk to each other.  We call it conversation, you might want to try it sometime.  Face to face, not screen to screen.  So maybe the lead dog theory is exposed by what it really is, just a theory.  And another reason why we ride, because the view is always changing.

A pastor once explained that he chose to sit while preaching, because Jewish tradition had it that if you stood, you claimed to be all knowing, and he wasn’t.  Really he was vastly overweight, but at least he knew that.  Jewish tradition also tells us that priests were never to be seen sitting, as there work was never done, and sitting gave evidence that it was.  Something to consider if going into ministry, you never retire, and the work never ends.  Which incensed the Pharisees when they heard that Jesus would be found sitting in heaven, and at the right hand of God.  As a high priest, his duties were never completed, much to their chagrin, maybe giving new insight to when Jesus said “it is finished” on the cross.  Because today he sits at the right hand of God in heaven.  Which means God the Father is sitting to his left, having the place of honor and respect.  Sitting.  And in contrast we find at the Last Supper, where they didn’t sit at a table, but around a short table at knee level, reclining to the left, so their right hand could be used to eat with. No southpaw eaters here, yet we find that Judas is sitting to his left, Judas sitting at the left hand of God, a traitor.  While John and Peter are at his right, not sure about the other disciples eating positions.  Judas who would sell out Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, was given the seat of sitting at the right hand of God.  Sitting.  Jesus loved him that much he wanted to give him a great place to be lifted up, so he could honor him, yet Judas missed that.  All at once Jesus was giving honor, or love to a sinner, on one hand, while giving honor to Peter and John at his right hand, they were giving Jesus the rightful place of honor in their lives.  In all things he showed love, and showed us honor and respect. Do we today?  When we come to Christ, he offers us the best seat in the house, heaven.  With him.  Yet we argue, doubt, or pass up on eating with him, or spending eternity with him.  Jesus looked past the sin of Judas and saw a sinner, just like he sees us today.  And he invites us to sit and eat with him, on earth as it will be in heaven.  And when we sit on his right side, we honor his deity by his sitting to our left.  Maybe seating arrangements do mean something after all....

Now scripture doesn’t tell us if Jesus requested him to sit there, or if Judas took it upon himself to grab the seat of honor.  But we know today Jesus offers us the seat of salvation, the best place we will ever sit, and it is offered to all.  Sinners and those who deny Jesus.  All of us at one time.  And when we give Jesus his proper place of honor, we are giving him all the glory, and he gives us all the blessings.  And not a cell phone in sight.  And given his lead dog status, when we follow him our views, and viewpoints change, his stay the same.  Sorry Rick...now about that lead dog stuff. 

Finally Jewish men each day would thank God for three things.  One they weren’t born a Gentile, whom they believed were made to keep the fires of hell hot.  Second a woman, who were not much better, only in Christ are we all equal, and thirdly that they weren’t dogs.  The worst of all...dogs.  No matter lead dog or not, no one wanted to be a dog.  Those eating the scraps from the table.  But we all need a savior, and he wants us to follow him.  So our view changes as he changes us, as we rightly give him the place of honor in our lives, and where we sit reflects how we live, and how much Christ is in us.  Reclining, or resting in Christ, eating or taking in all the good things he provides with the other.  Which may explain why we have the throttle in our right hand, experiencing all the good things of riding, leaning on Jesus in the curves. 

And why we don’t sit next to each other on a motorcycle, but behind one another, because we are both equal.  Different in cars...remember that the next time your passenger is giving directions.  And they are not giving you honor.  We don’t have that problem on motorcycles.  But in all things give Jesus the preeminence.  Sitting, standing, leading or following, put him first.  Lean on him, and follow him.  Don’t be like the kids looking out at what they just passed in the Ford, see what is ahead with Jesus.  No matter catching cinders or soot, or sitting in silence, Jesus is not the little engine that could, he was the engine who did.  Something to remember and consider on your next ride.  All roads lead somewhere, only one leads to heaven.  Be on that road and enjoy the ride, seeing things through God’s eyes.  As for me, I’m glad I was invited and took the offer he provided.  Sitting at the table sure beats the crumbs dropped to the dogs.  And you can sit and not know it all...offer extended, will you join us for lunch?  There is always room at Jesus’ table....

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

the shadow knows

I tell people that since I don’t wear a watch I am never late.  Of course cutting down on time driven appointments helps, but while riding until recently, bikes had no clocks.  So I got pretty good at guessing the time, within a few hours at least, by telling where the sun was.  Hunger driven by time helps too.  But really by seeing where the shadows were.  Also good at telling which direction I was traveling before a GPS helped the lesser riders get lost.  Simple actually, sun in your face first thing in the morning, riding east.   At your back, riding west.  Heading north east is to the right, west is left, and all is well unless it rains or is cloudy.  Then it is up to following road signs and knowing if going north, a left turn puts you into the Pacific, east in the desert, south at the border.  All without a GPS or removing my hand from the throttle.  Riding we call it...you ought to try it sometime. 

Now the position of the sun in the sky can also tell you what season it is, low is winter, high is summer.  Just like early travelers used it, the sun can be a guide.  And knowing it travels from east to west taking a southern route helps too.  Pretty smart huh, so why do I still show up late, or too early?  Sometimes the road dictates the pace, how many times Theresa has held dinner, or we have been the last one in a diner before closing.  Ever waited for the cycle shop to open, or be a few minutes late?  And you were wearing a watch, so I rest my case.  After all it is about the ride, so leave the watch and schedule behind and enjoy it.  Cold pizza, reheated spaghetti, and rewarmed stew still taste good, even at 2 in the morning.

But I also ride by shadows, and shadows tells us things we need to know.  Again direction, they are welcome on hot days, a free benefit of what is blocking the sun, and the longer the later it is as the sun sets.  Again shadow position tells which way you are going.  In front of you, the sun is behind you.  Shadow following, the sun is in front of you, just in case you forgot your sunglasses.  No shadow at all, it is above you, and left and right point to west or east.  Also no shadows can mean darkness, or rain, and when they reappear it means sunny roads ahead.  Many things we can learn form shadows and sun placement, how smart do you need to be reading a GPS?  Some of us need no help to get lost, makes me wonder how I ever got this far at all.

But shadows are a product of sunlight, or really something blocking the light of the sun.  But shadows can also help us tell where we are in our walk with God.  Walking in the light will produce shadows, and their position can keep us in Christ.  Many chase their shadows like my dog, who when sees hers will chase it, just like following a laser pen.  Some chase after God like that, chasing but never catching, chasing the darkness of the shadow rather than the light of Jesus.  Sound familiar?  Try this today, maybe a simple self test, nothing scientific or scriptural about it, just for fun, and personal inspection.  Where is God in your life?  Check your shadow.  If your shadow is ahead of you, God is behind and your are leading.  Chasing a glimpse of God, but not his light.  If your shadow is behind you, you are walking into the light, and he is ahead of you.  Still seeking and following, yet at times shielding your eyes to see better, or being blinded by the light.  But what if no shadow on a cloudy day?  Where is God then?  Above and everywhere, for when light is everywhere, there is no shadow.  You are walking, living, basking, and abiding in his light and love.  High noon when the light shines brightest, a good description of our daily walk.

We wake and face the new day seeking God.  Our shadow ahead, looking for the son.  Soon he is overhead and guiding us, and then as the day goes we rely more on us and less on him, and the shadow is behind us again, and we need to slow down and turn to him.  Our position in him dictates where the shadow is, and many a long shadow on an afternoon ride tells of his presence along during the day.  And the road ahead, as nothing feels so good as the sun at our backs, but really when surrounded by the love of the son, Jesus Christ, and no shadows do we really feel all his joy and love.  Comfort in the fact he is with us, behind us and ahead of us.  That he is more reliable than the rising sun, and ever present after it sets.  Where the son is in your life will tell by your shadows you leave.  And shadows only come when walking in his light.

So the shadow knows just where Jesus is in our daily ride or walk.  Looking to him, or looking away, the shadow knows.  It plays no favorites, just reports where the light in your life.  But when the shadow is hiding because the darkness cannot stand in the light, God is leading, behind, above, and below-everywhere.  Just like we need to have Jesus in our lives.  And on those cloudy days, his light still shines so bright we see our own shadow in his light.  His love being shown in his light, son light no comparison to sunlight.  Remember just the other side of the clouds the sun is always shining somewhere on earth. Both the sun and the son never set.  Never rest.   But Jesus can shine in your life forever.  No days or nights in heaven, it will be lit by God’s love.  Maybe no shadows in heaven either....just a thought.  But you can bask in the light of Jesus 24/7, no matter the time of day.  Or year.  Facing east or west.  And even without a GPS. 

One last thing about God’s light.  We are to not hide it, but also not shine it in the eyes of oncoming traffic.  Turn off the high beams, show courtesy and compassion, let the light of God lead through you.  Knowing full well the position of your shadow will say more about Jesus in your life than shouting it out.  Be led by God’s light, travel in his Son’s light, and take time to see where your shadow is leading you.  Some find solace hiding is shadows, believers find refuge in his light.  Where is Jesus in your life, the shadow knows. 

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com