When Mickey called yesterday saying he had a Sprint GT for me to ride, it worked out well because I was going to Chino to visit Stacy's dad in the hospital. Keep him in prayer, thanks. Stopping first at his shop to swap bikes, Ray was there, and so were a few bikes that Mick's father-in-law had just given to him. So Ray and I looked them over and compared memories. One was a CB750 with a build date of 1/70, the other an older Laverda 750 twin, and the other other a 1978 CBX-the six cylinder Honda made for a few years. #20 off the line, and a hand built test bike from Honda, as it had bags and a fairing-a model not available for another few years. Only 1157 miles on it, with some cleanup and tune it would be ready to ride. For only $15,000 it can be yours! A piece of history, fun to ride, but almost too nice to ride! Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!
But sitting in the middle of the shop, the only one in the States, was a new 2012 Speed Triple R-drop dead gorgeous. With the latest Ohlins suspension, and all the goodies, it was sent over for the IMS bike show next month-air freighted to Mick to prep. And next month I will have one to put miles on. And for less than $15,000, I can have one when they are available. Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!
But the bike I am riding is a Sprint GT, a sport tourer. With the same features as the CBX-only 34 years later. The same type bike-but so different at the same time. The CBX has 6 cylinders, the GT 3. And in over 30 years has fuel injection, ABS, much better brakes, 50 more horsepower, and is better in almost every way. For less money, about $13,000. Better bags, better seat, better mpg, better handling, and a warranty. So why is the older bike still so attractive? Maybe it is the history of it, maybe it takes me back to a time when it was new, and out of my reach at $3995. Maybe it brings back other memories, or reminds me of its competition, my GS1000e in my garage. Or maybe it is all-or none of the above. But with so many roads yet to ride, and so many bikes to ride, too-I feel blessed to take off on this 2011 model and bring it back for another in 1000 miles. Oh, the problems we bikers have sometimes!
"2000 years and He ain't come yet. What's His holdup? You people are flaky, waiting for Jesus to come back. He said the last days, and it's been 2000 years. Leave me alone-and quit bothering me." Ever been told that when trying to show love or the gospel to someone? Why would they want to buy into a 2000 year old promise, when the world promises then instant gratification today? Plenty of new religion, why would I want that old, outdated Jesus stuff? Tough questions to answer. So-why did you choose Jesus, that "old" stuff when so much "new" stuff was available?
Perhaps it is because Jesus is the only way. You tried others. All other religion promises what only He could deliver. Maybe it was because only He met the need in your heart. Maybe you didn't want to trade down to a denomination and all its rules. Maybe the freedom you wanted could only be supplied by Him. Maybe, just maybe you didn't want to have to trade up any more, but find a God who would supply all your needs-and give you eternal life, too. Maybe, the spirit told you-"Jesus is the way." And He came down to meet you, where you are, how you are, and loved you as you were. Maybe you could see the future in Him where there was only the past with anything else. Maybe...it was personal...
Maybe because after 2000 years He is just as alive today as He was then. Still keeping His promises, and still changing lives. Not a museum piece, but offering peace. Not a serial number, but a name, above all other names. A person, not a thing. More than a statue on the dashboard of your car. He is Someone-not something.
As I looked at the older bikes yesterday, my mind also went back. For some were out of reach when new to me. But Jesus was never out of reach. He already paid the price, my tickets and entrance to heaven was waiting at the will call window-for me, and for you. If you haven't met this Jesus, don't wait any further. Try Him out today. Fresh and new, but also old and tested. Not a retro model, or an improved model through the years-God got it right the first time. An original, and He wants you! What do you have that is so valuable you won't let Him into your life?
The way, the truth, and the life. That's Jesus. Oh, maybe we don't have such tough problems after all. Old and new-you can have it all in Jesus.
Now-I wonder where He will take me riding today?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com