In late 1974, I went to see Bruce Springsteen and Chicago at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. Not a big Springsteen fan, not my boss either, although I am from the Garden State, his opening number was Born to Run. A song that had not been released yet, and the place went wild. The first time played in public. After that he could have played scales and the crowd would have applauded, but that song set the tone for the concert. And particularly the line "chrome wheeled, fuel injected, and stepping out over the line..." We knew chrome wheeled-Cragar SS still my wheel of choice, and we all were real good at stepping out over the line. But fuel injected was still years away, and available on no US made cars at the time. Maybe carbureted wouldn't have the same rhythm. And as good as Chicago was, I still prefer them to Springsteen, they couldn't keep up the mood, and we left midconcert. Stepping out over the line.
And I find myself in a Born to Run mode most of my life. I enjoy a freedom in the spirit that no rules or cages on Highway 9 can keep me in. Not bound by religion-which means binding, but free in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Where religion tries to keep me under a set of laws, Jesus allows me to be myself in Him, and find myself wanting to be like Him and please Him the more I know Him. Unlike children with crayons, who are told to stay within the lines, Jesus looks at our potential and says go outside the lines with me-don't limit your blessings, but follow an unlimited God! Color to your heart's content!
We have a saying at our church-to minister outside of the dove, and those who take advantage of it, enjoy more of Jesus, and more blessings. You see you can't have laws that grant liberty, just like you cannot legislate morality. It comes from the heart, you must operate in the spirit. And when you do, you will find a freedom that you never knew existed. A freedom in Christ, that no matter what problems come your way, you can defeat. And Jesus did just that. They even buried Him in a tomb after crucifying Him-can't let Him have too much freedom, and put a thousand pound rock in front of the door. With centurions. And somehow the next day, the rock was rolled away, and He was gone. The tomb empty. For no law or man could hold Him. Stepping out over the line.
What is holding you back today? Is the rock against your door so big your life has become a tomb? Have you become overburdened by laws and demands, and you think you cannot escape? Do you wish to run-away from life or into life? God has made man to be born to run. To run from sin, but also to run to Christ. You may run from something, and the only way to know your progress is to look back. Don't! God wants us to run to Jesus, keeping our eyes on the cross, and going forward. Not stuck in a box, stuck in a religion, or in a depressing life. He wants you to run to Him, so He can give you life. He can rescue you from your sin, and you can know peace. Not a situation, but a person, who is always present. And no matter the situation, He is there, and showing you a way through.
Too many live in the valley of the shadow of death. It can be like riding on a cloudy day. The sun is out, it's just on the other side of the clouds. No more worrying if and when the rain will ruin your day, ditch the rain suit and put on Jesus. Look to the son, and live in the son. For the son never sets on you. You must have light to make shadows, let God be that light, and look to Him.
Jesus will spring you from cages, deathtraps, and suicide raps-get out while you can, for tramps like us were born to run! To Jesus! And find out that only His love is real!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
