For me, it is that special moment in Bullitt, when the Charger driver looks into his rear view mirror and sees the Mustang. At that point he goes from the hunter to the hunted, and the chase begins. With no dialogue, and limited music-just the sound of the Mustang is music enough, we get to see how a star's presence makes the scene-without saying a word. Just like Duke Wayne entering a bar, and being outnumbered 10 to 1, you know 10 won't be enough to beat him. When Bogie's facial expressions say more to Ilsa in Casablanca than any words, you are sensing a presence beyond words. Watch Marilyn, she didn't need words, her sexiness exploded on and through the screen. Great personalities, great actors, and a greater screen presence. And Steve McQueen playing Det. Frank Bullitt proves it throughout the movie. You can't imitate cool. Can't teach it, imitate it, or fake it. Cool is a presence that must be-from deep inside the person. And can't be described.
Christians have cool about them too, or should. It is called the Holy Spirit, and is in each one of us who is saved. A presence, that without words, should tell the world we are different. That we belong to Jesus, and it should beg others to ask us what is different about us? And how can they get it. But many choose-it is our choice, to neglect the spirit, to try to live without it. They forget it was the Holy Spirit that pointed us to Jesus, reminding us of His love for us first. It was the Spirit that comforts us, prays for and with us, and never leaves or forsakes us. It gives us wisdom, words, and even insight when we need it. And it always points to Jesus, who always points us to the Father-God. A presence way beyond description-He is the person of love!
The spirit has come upon us, but we need to yield to it, trust it to have it be in us. Trust- the word that keeps us from a fuller relationship with God, for trust allows us to obey God, and not question Him. Trust allows us to follow God even when there is no evidence of Him. And to know that whatever happens, it will turn out for our benefit. That 's love-that's God! That's the Holy Spirit!
So worship Him in spirit-with your life. A prayer partner when alone, a comforter when not sure, and guidance when in the valley of the shadow of death. He is the table set before your enemies, and the joy that overflows from your cup in life. While we may still love, but not be in love, He is love. Unconditional. We may have happiness, but He is joy in the situations we rather not endure. And He is peace when all hell is breaking out around you. The Holy Spirit-do you trust Him?
Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. A presence that is cool like Steve. In command like the Duke. Concerned but not worrying like Bogie, and can create desire far more than Marilyn. Is this presence in your life? Or are you to busy studying to be approved? Not a bad thing, but did you realize that without the Spirit the mysteries of God are not revealed? Remember before Christ how you didn't understand the Bible, but now you are getting it? That's the spirit! Don't you understand your actions are futile without Him?
Ask God today to fill you with His spirit. Trust Him like you never have before. And see how cool Jesus really is. Cool enough to fill any situation without overtaking it. Cool enough to change water to wine. Cool enough to heal the sick and give sight to the blind. Cool enough to die on the cross for us. Yet cool enough to call us friend. WOW!
Just a chase scene in Bullitt? Tell me then, is it about the cars or the guys driving them?
Hint-it's all about Jesus! Now that's cool, too cool for even words! Gentlemen-start your engines!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com