Dirty Harry, that oft quoted bastion of knowledge, once told Lt. Briggs, "a man's got to know his limitations." And because Dirty Harry said it, we assume it to be true. Point in fact-one time George, Brett, Dave, Bill and I set out from Farmington to San Diego on our motorcycles, stopping in Gallup at Sizzler to eat. Unlimited all you can eat shrimp said the sign, so we did. Except the manager had a different idea of unlimited than we did, and after seven servings, we had hit his limit, and we finally agreed to one more serving each to go. Which when we got to the motel, Brett had eaten while we were getting drinks, Three different levels of unlimited, with Brett the defining factor.
We see signs for unlimited refills, limited to two. And years ago Coke stumbled onto something. Remember when you would order a drink with no ice, to get more drink. They found that when you served yourself you used more ice. Such a deal. Unlimited, all you can eat clams at HoJo's? At least until you were so sick you threw up. Your stomach knew your limit, even if you didn't. Unlimited trips to the salad bar-hey you're eating healthy and low calorie, why not? When my kids were younger, comic books and action figures were labeled collector items. Limited editions, so they sold faster. Only limited to how many people would buy. We can always make more. Numbered sometimes-1 of 10 million. Such a deal!
And sales are still advertising limited to stock on hand, except they will give you a rain check good until the next shipment arrives. My ATM will only give out limited funds of $600 per day-which sounds good because I usually don't have that much-limited by my funds on hand. My credit cards have a limit, and even American Express which advertises no limits, has limits-based on your income.
How many remember before the gas crisis in 1973 Nevada had no speed limits? Then we had speed limits of 55 mph on roads which were designed in the 50's for 85mph travel in the name of safety. Which were repealed by Bill Clinton, setting new speed limits. Now there was a man who knew his limits, and hers, and how to exceed them. Racing engines are limited to cubic inches, and when they exceed the limit, go into another class. There is even an unlimited class in some racing. In the sixties, a TV show called the Outer Limits took control of the transmission of the sight and sound for the next 60 minutes-limited only by your ability to change the channel. Even sports like football and basketball have time limits, with baseball being the rebel-as long as the score is tied, both teams can play unlimited innings. And if they reach a limit of exhaustion, can pick up from where they left off.
And so it is only natural that we expect God to be a God of limits, too. That He could never have unlimited love and forgiveness for us. That eternity goes on for an unlimited time, or that He is unlimited by time. And worse yet, we try to run our relationship with Him, based on our limitations. "OK God, I have 15 minutes today, spend it with me the best you can." We read 15 minutes of the Bible every day, but limit ourselves to that number. Why only one chapter, can I read two? And why do we limit our prayer time, when if we turn off the radio in the car we can still be praying silently-God calls it meditating on His word? Why do we take something infinite and make it finite?
Sin-pride is the answer. As long as we see our God through our eyes and not His, we are in control. But once we try to be more like Him, to take on His character, and to let Him be in control, we find that His resources are limitless. That we are not limited to our experiences, but to trusting Him. He is no debtor-unlimited funds, does not delight in wrong-unlimited forgiveness, and has always been and we can always be with Him-no limits on time in eternity! And it takes one simple act of repentance- a change of heart. For unlike Dirty Harry's example, God is not a man-but GOD! And He sent His son to take all the sin and pain that we were guilty of-with no limits-yesterday, today, and tomorrow-it's forgiven. Unlimited access to the creator of the universe!
But although God is patient that none should perish, He also tells us today is the day of salvation. And tomorrow is promised to no man. Today, reach your limit of sin and turn to Jesus. Realize that you are limited in your knowledge and wisdom, and seek someone who is limitless, in both and in love-for you! Take Dirty Harry's quote to heart-realize you cannot be saved without Jesus. Know your limitations and turn them over to God. Tell Jesus, "go ahead, make my day!"
"Do you feel lucky punk, well do you?" Jesus Christ-not limited to stock on hand. Limited only by your believing. Faith does have its rewards.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com