A popular saying a few years back when housing prices were rising rapidly was "you didn't pay too much, you just bought too soon." The idea being that your buy-in price would still make you a profit as long as the market continued to rise. And I think you know what happened-too many paid too much and now have nothing.
And I see a similar fate for those who bought Buells before Harley Davidson decided to pull the plug on them in October. At the recent WERA race, there were more Buells than ever before, particularly the 1125, as dealers were dumping them for as low as $5500, a bike with a retail of over $13,000 just two months ago. I hope this new found bargain bike still is when it needs parts! But the truth is that the motorcycle market is asleep. From a reliable source, I found out the local Harley dealer here used to sell 80 bikes per month-now is down to 15! And I have watched as all brands seem to be suffering.
But last nights news really amazed me. Toyota-the seemingly indestructible car-the one that never died, ran forever, and was the poster child for longevity-discontinued the sale of eight of the models-NOW! The announcer said it would have been easier to tell which models were still for sale. And this has far reaching effects-not only to the buyer, but also the seller. If two days ago you bought a Camry, now they cannot be sold anymore-at least until some major engineering flaws are corrected. So while you make payments, your car sits. And the dealer-who also is making payments on his inventory, can't sell them and his overhead goes up. And the importer is stuck with thousands of cars on the docks-can't be shipped, and of course the plants are idle-can't build them anymore. One mistake, and it touches so many at so many levels.
And the finger pointing has begun-for no one wants to accept responsibility. It's like a friend sold a car of his years ago-AS IS. When it died a few blocks away, the buyer wanted to return it, and was told AS IS means AS IS! It wasn't the sellers car anymore. Harsh, but true. Only Jesus bought us AS IS, knowing exactly what He had purchased-do we?
We all buy into a belief system, whether we admit it or not. And many are turning to Christ in these hard times, as they see the government, friends, jobs, and others cannot meet their needs. And this is the church's job, as true religion is defined as taking care of widows and orphans. When Jesus fed the 5000, he didn't check ID's, or check for job status-He fed who was there. And many churches are doing that now. Taking in those are hurting-financially, emotionally, and spiritually. And those who seek are finding comfort in Jesus. He doesn't have any recalls, He didn't buy to soon-although while we were yet sinners He died for us, and His message is not financed-He paid the price in full-and there is no inflation. And unlike Lexus, made by Toyota, by the way, advertises their relentless pursuit of perfection, now that is truth in advertising. I hope they find it soon! Jesus is there-always has been, is now, and always will be. And those seeking Him are finding Him, and all the blessings He has to offer. Many are finding it is better to trust in God, than in man. Which also happens to be the middle verse of the Bible, Psalm 118:8. And there just happen to be 1188 verses before and 1188 verses after it-no matter which way you turn-God is there. Now it is up to you.
Someday we will all face judgment, and Jesus will either condemn you for condemning Him-"be gone," He'll say, "I never knew you" or those who have accepted Him will be greeted with "well done my good and faithful servant, enter in to paradise." Eternity starts today, and it comes with a warranty that doesn't expire. Make sure your name is written in heaven, and not in some religious payment book. It's your choice.
No one in heaven will say "I wish I had waited longer on earth." But those in hell will say they wish they had listened. Jesus Christ and the salvation He gives is the only thing that truly appreciates-you cannot accept Him too soon-no man is promised tomorrow. Just ask Erik Buell or Toyota. Times change. Now, wouldn't you really rather go with Jesus?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com