I read an old Road Rider yesterday that had story in it about Julius Kagel. Julius was a hard core motorcycle rider from Illinois, and was known within the touring community. The magazine was dated 1978, and he was a long time BMW rider. I even had the pleasure of meeting him once, when I lived back east, at the Marcus Dairy. The same one mentioned in those cool Kawasaki ads back in the early 80's. It was 1974, I had an R90S, and he came over and asked about it. He was about 80 at the time-an unbelievable age to a 21 year old at the time, and was dressed in his all black leathers-pants and jacket. He had probably at that point ridden more miles than I could ever dream of, and still rode all year round. His last major trip was touring Europe in 1973. Except when the storms of the Midwest prevented it, and then he studied maps and gathered information for his next trip that spring. He loved motorcycles, and he loved motorcycling. A true ambassador for the sport, and lifestyle. What a cool grandpa he must have been. And a much bigger influence on how and where I ride than I thought until I reread that article yesterday.
He loved to ride, loved the people, and loved the sport. As Christians we are told to be ambassadors of Christ. Says so right in the Bible. Which means we are to represent Christ. We are told that we should be known as Christians by our love, which should reflect God's love within us. We should love Jesus-He loved us first and died for us. But we often times have problem with His "fan" club. The religious types who are always willing to tell us how to live our lives, and give us more rules to do it. Personally, I rather trust God and walk in the spirit-and enjoy the freedom that God promises. It makes it easier to love God, and then I can love His people too. Even if it takes looking past their rules. But I also like being part of a strong church, one that is deeply rooted in the things of Christ, and being with others who wish to minister in the gospel. For it is only when in the spirit we can minister effectively, and it always goes back to Jesus. In the early church believers were part of what was called the Way, but then became known as Christians in Antioch-after Pentecost when the Holy Spirit had come upon the church. A form of ridicule at first, those of us are blessed to be known by it, and after 2000 years still face ridicule from those who are within and without the church. Bet you didn't think motorcycling was such a religious experience?
So we carry on, trying to love as Jesus did. Until we die, and then meet Him face to face in heaven-eternally. Our eternal reward, and entering it with the love of Jesus in our lives. Doing the things we wish to be doing-walking in Christ. Julius' wish was to be able to ride until the day that he died. Which he did, while riding at age 86. A car, driven by a young man, hit him-killing him. Riding until the day he died. A man so wrapped in motorcycling, he literally died with his boots on-and while riding. May we all go to the presence of the Lord doing what we love.
Make Jesus the desire of your heart, and He will give you your desire. For me, Jesus, Theresa, and motorcycles-it just don't get much better. And even though we acknowledge that the sport we love can be dangerous, we know that someday we will be in heaven-safe forever. Riding in the freedom that only Jesus can offer-and give.
Last time I looked, death was still at a 100% rate in everyone's life. A more assured thing than taxes. Make sure your final destination will be heaven. Become a Christian, then live like one. And enjoy life, and doing the things God allows you to do. So many roads, so many bikes, and such a short time. Thanks to God for all he does for us, and I am waiting for the day I meet Him face to face in heaven. And hopefully get to visit with Julius, who was also known for never missing church on Sunday-no matter where he was. Putting Jesus first, and then all these things shall be added unto you. Ride on-with Jesus! Till death do us unite!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com