Like most of you who ride, I used to watch Easy Rider for the motorcycles. But since it has become trendy, and after watching "Hi, I'm Robert Osborne," on TCM give me more details and insight than I would ever need, it has lost something to me. In fact I can take it down to about five minutes in the film that I enjoy, although it still is a great movie. For me, when Wyatt takes off his watch, and he and Billy head down the road to "Born to be Wild," I get excited. The beginning of any trip is exciting, and it reminds me of riding-out of California. When they cross over the bridge at Needles, into Arizona, a new freedom-that of less laws and more open roads, greets them, and me. New roads to many, and where will they lead. Watching the two without words exchange glances, and enjoying the freedom only found in riding, I know what they know. A great day of riding, airing out all the cobwebs and stresses that interfere with us, and maybe it is true what they say, even a bad day of riding is better than no riding at all. A scene that couldn't be done in cars. Individual freedom, without radio or junk food. And as they ride into downtown Kingman, and then head out of town on old 66, I sense their excitement as to what the road ahead brings, except it wasn't old then, I know that road, and ride it when I can bypassing the freeway. But for me the freedom ends, and I lose interest when they pull into the motel for the night, and the old man takes one look at bikers, and turns on the NO vacancy sign. At that point, I fully agree with Billy and his gesture and also his calling the old man a *&^%$@@! He was-God please forgive me.
I have ridden most of the roads they show in the movie, and sadly much has changed since I first did, 35 years ago. Freeways have taken the place of Route 66, chain motels have taken the place of Mom and Pop motels-although some still have a prejudice about bikers, and riding is still the best way to go. But without the motorcycles, this movie, well it just doesn't work. And so it bothers me that some existential try to explain the symbolism and what it represents. Or the arty types show how the cinematography and directing make the movie. If so, then how can you explain the poor quality photos you take that mean so much to you? Without the bikes, the movie lacks soul, and no matter how snobby you get trying to interpret the film, the bottom line is this-it's about motorcycles! Get it?
Just like the gospel is about Jesus! Get it! No religious interpretations, no finding the numerology in the Bible via secret codes, or guessing the day of His return. It is about Jesus. And although these other things may be interesting, when they get between you and Him, you are in sin, for they take the place of Jesus. Keep them in a proper perspective-and remember like in Easy Rider-keep the main thing the only thing.
Without Jesus there is no gospel. There is no forgiveness of sins, for there is no savior. There are no healings, no being born again. No Good Friday, no Easter. No empty tomb, and no Holy Spirit to come upon you. No baptism, and no first century, or other century church. Without Jesus, the whole universe changes. Keep that in mind the next time someone says he was only a great teacher. Mormon, He is God, not a brother to Lucifer. Read the Bible. Jehovah Witness-He is God. And there is a hell-but also a heaven. Don't bring life down to meaningless and nothing by taking a loving God out of it. God tells us-even the fool says there is no God. Only in mercy does He not mention you by name. I love you enough I will.
Next time you ride, enjoy being the easy rider that Jesus died for. Enjoy the freedom of the open road, or any road you happen to be on. Forget about time, and enjoy the ride. Like a true nature's child, we were born to be wild...but as a child of God we can be born again. Picture me as I ride into the sunrise...and you thought it was just a motorcycle movie.
And I hope you don't think Jesus is just another man. Life may not be an easy ride, but I wouldn't care to travel it without Him! I think I'll just go for a ride. Easy. Rider. And Jesus.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
