Life isn't fair sometimes. Make that most of the time. Take when the national speed limit was reduced to 55mph. To save gas we were told. But after the gas crisis, it stayed down, it was safer we were told. But truly it was a way for state and local authorities to line their coffers with our speeding violation money. And living in Jersey at the time, they were experts at it.
I lost my license in 1974, due to too many points. Speeding, and never got one on my motorcycle. Now before you say "what took him so long?" realize most of my speeds were less than 60mph in a 55mph zone. With cops hiding behind every tree, and even out in the open on I-78 west just where it meets I-287-a blue van that was permanently parked, that everyone knew about and still always had at least one car pulled over, I got ticketed for 56, 57, and 58 in 55 zones. I even got a ticket for 56mph coming back from my girlfriend's prom! Truly a sense of revenue enhancement, but strangely never caught when on my bike at much higher rates. Go figure.
One day Lance and I were going to pick up Merlin at the hospital she worked at. I had a BMW 1600, and we wanted to see if it would do 100mph. Which it did-on 287, just before we got off at her exit. Pulled over by a Dodge with the old 440 Magnum, it was a plain gray car with no markings. Doesn't seem fair does it? The guy who stepped out asked for license and registration and I thought my car would be towed right then and there. He even seemed unamused when he asked, "where you going so fast, the hospital?" And when I answered "yes," I figured I was done. But he didn't even break a smile, and wrote my info in a notebook, explaining he was out of tickets, and would bring it by my job that night.
At work that night I was still freaked out. And for a few nights after, as the man or the ticket never arrived. I even was scared that he would mail it, then my mother would know how fast I went, and add that to my list of punishments. No statute of limitations when it comes to mothers. Lance and I were still spooked, Merlin had said "I told you so," and now I was faced with losing my license, and having to pay a huge fine. And...the wrath of my parents. I was bummed. But something happened, or didn't happen. No ticket ever came. I was spared-my first taste of mercy. But, looking back, Lance and I thought we may have it figured out. When the car pulled up next to us, he held up a card saying "State Police Vehicle." And the driver was in overalls, like a mechanic. We had been stopped by a mechanic on a joy ride with a cop car! Probably not the first time he got his jollies, and probably explained why no ticket book, and no uniform. But just the fact he said he was a cop, and acted official was enough. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry, or seek this guy out, but figured revenge would only expose us, being the punch line of a joke and with a bruised ego was punishment enough for me. And somewhere out there in the New Jersey State Police garage the story is told over and over. I was part of an urban legend-and Lance was there to prove that it really happened. "I can just see that kid's look of horror when I stopped him. But I almost lost it when he really was going to a hospital..." And the legend lives on.
Urban legends, old wives' tales, or anecdotal events that may or may not have really happened. Some sounding so true that they are more believable than some real events. No age group, or no peer group is without them. Some based on fact, some based on here say. The seven sons of Skeva were like that. They were told of this man Jesus who had healed the sick, had the blind see, and the lame walk. How He even could rebuke demons and have them flee. So they approached a man known to have demons, and rebuked them. Only they didn't know that it took the power of the Holy Spirit to do that, and they turned on them. Beating them, and sending them away naked. With one question, "we know of Jesus, we have heard of Paul, who the heck are you?" They were smart enough to not stay and give an answer.
"Rejoice, the scriptures tell us, not that we have power over demons, but that your names are written in the book of life." And not written in a ticket book that day with Lance. I was shown mercy even though the butt of a joke, and even though my sin found me out. The Skeva brothers had no power, only words. Real power comes from Jesus, and His dad even tells us "not by might, not by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of Hosts." And so once again I am reminded how it is better to trust God, and walk in the spirit than live under the law. I can guarantee that somehow today you will break one.
Grace, God calls it. Sometimes dressed as mercy when we are in sin. Either way, I rather walk in it than ride in a police car. Ask the Skevas, words mean something. And names mean something, too. Absolute mercy. Proving that angels can fly 100mph, even when in sin.
And also ask for ID when stopped. Many false teachers out there. For identification, ask to see their hands, only Jesus' will have the marks left from the nails. Accept no substitute. If only the Skevas had been so smart, but then we wouldn't have chapter 19 of Acts! Truly all things work together for those who love the Lord-and are called for His purpose!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com