Admittedly we were feeling way cooler than we had a right to as we strolled up to the will call window at Sam Boyd Stadium. I had just signed on as the fastener sponsor for Nelson and Nelson Racing, an off-road racing team with factory backing from Chevrolet. We were about to be elevated to what to us was the big time, and although we felt cool on the outside, inside we knew we were out of our league. So when our turn got to the window, we made sure we told the attendant that the passes were for the Hot Pits, which were by invitation only, so that the others in line by us could see how cool we were, and connected. The Hot Pits got you anywhere you wanted, from the buffet meal with the drivers and race teams, to into the pits where sometimes you may be called upon to hand them a tool, or check something out for them-for me it was usually "Mike just stand over there and try not to break anything." But in I was. So here we were, me and my two sons, inside with the big guys, and we knew who they were, but no one knew who we were.
Fortunately I ran into Rick Johnson, the Rick Johnson of Motocross fame who was one of Nelson's racers and who I knew from SCORE races. He and Jimmie Johnson, the someday NASCAR legend were the Nelson's team, and Jimmie would win the stadium event that night. Sadly the end of the Mickey Thompson series-great racing on a short course, with the fans up close. Rick knew I was new to the series and showed me around, then we ate dinner, while he talked business with the two brothers who started No Fear. I listened and learned a lot that night. Rick again gave me his home phone and insisted I call so we could go riding-he rides the street also, and also fellowship together, he also is a Christian-a request I wish I had honored but never did.
But we were inside, and the people on the other side of the barriers could see us inside, and we felt so cool because we were inside-and they weren't. We were in the pits, we sat in special seats in the grandstands, ate great food, for free, and got to be in the midst of things, and see things that the normal fan would pay big dollars for if they could, but since this was by invitation only, never would. We were in the pits-and they weren't.
When we went to will call, they had to check for our names on the list, and then after checking our ID's gave us passes we wore around our neck, so we could be identified by security, who would then know it was OK for us to be there. Which looked so cool around our neck, the special pass color identified us as privileged. But since they were only good for that race, we would have to repeat this again at the next race. Privileges has its rewards.
Jesus Himself was faced with people who because they followed Him thought they had special privileges, and so took an attitude within the church. Never a good thing with Jesus. They thought that due to their self appointed elevated position in church they should be treated better. Pride is what God calls it, sin is what it is. And Jesus reminded them openly that it was not their acts that gained them entrance to heaven, it was His grace-a gift. He put it out there for them to hear in front of others, lest others be misled. He told them, "do not be impressed because you have power of demons or in prophecy, but rejoice because your names are written in the Book of Life!" All their actions didn't gain them heaven, it was mercy and grace. And once they had repented, and turned to Jesus, then their names were written in the Book of Life. Forever. And unlike the passes we wore around our neck, God puts His mark on our hearts, so that the world should be able to tell we are Christians-His representatives, not by what we wear, not by where we go to church, but by our love. The great commandment He gave us. How else would a God who is love want you to represent Him?
It is ironic how in life we needed special passes to enter the pits. Pit passes. But when we get to Judgment Day, it will take a special pass to stay out of the pit. It is by invitation only, and if you have accepted Jesus' invitation, then your name is right there in the Book of Life! You get to avoid the pit! Hell was made for the devil and his angels, not for man. God gives us a way out. Jesus. The invitation is still open, but only until death. Then it is too late.
Just like at the will call window you will feel way cool being admitted to heaven. Make it a point today to assure your name is in the Book of Life. Trust God. Give it all to Jesus. He is calling you right now. He even knows your name.
And maybe, just maybe, when you get there you will get a seat by the racers. And maybe Rick and I will finally be able to ride together and share the Lord. As cool as it is being in the pits, avoid the pit of hell-accept Jesus' invitation. You will then hear the most beautiful words on that day-from the only way to heaven, Jesus. "Well done , my good and faithful one."
Now that's cool. And the only race I will ever win-the human race!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com