where's the fire, chief?

It seems there is at least one in every crowd who stands out from the group. When called to lead, the exhibit unique leadership qualities. some are learned or trained, as in the Armed Services, and some just appear, as if innate, born leaders we call them. But borrowing on the old adage that it "takes two to tango," and not that horrible GEICO commercial, if you are a successful leader, you must have a successful following. It only makes sense, right? Right!?

The final Torches Across America ride left Oceanside in record heat. And by the time we reached Cajon Pass by mid-morning, it was already over 100. In fact it would reach 124 on a thermometer we saw. Causing the glue on my Arai helmet to melt, but thanks to duct tape, I was secure-just looked nerdy the rest of the trip. We were fortunate on this ride to have Chief Bruce with the San Diego Fire Department with us, and about a half dozen of his men. They tended to stay right with him during the trip, with him leading of course. As we made it up the pass, I was just ahead of them as the traffic slowed to a crawl. Suddenly I heard chirping of brakes, squealing of tires, and as I looked to my right I noticed Bruce had suddenly pulled from the fast lane across three lanes of traffic to the side, and his six men were following him. They had seen him suddenly pull over, and as they had probably done many times before, followed his lead. Trusting that what he did would be the correct thing to do, as while fighting a fire it could be life saving. So instinctively, and based on trust and years of working together, when Bruce pulled right, so did they-without looking.

Causing the rest of us to pull over, cautiously of course. And as the thirty some bikes parked on the shoulder, we all went back to see what happened. And Bruce seemed a bit sheepish, whereas before he was a bit outspoken. When asked what happened, he replied, "I was trying to turn down the radio on my bike, and hit the kill switch by accident, causing the bike to stall, and when I lost power had to get off the road." Panicking in a panic situation, out of character for him, his men acted in character, and followed him. Whether through experience or through respect, where the boss went, they followed. And fortunately none were hurt, although all were embarrassed. And of course Bruce was reminded for the next 3200 miles about turning his radio down while riding, but nothing was said in reference to his men. I cannot tell if this event is a reflection of his leadership, or their obedience, but it takes two, and here we had seven. We were all glad they were OK!

Jesus asked "why do you call me Lord if you do not do the things I ask?" Fair question, and one many try to elude. Do we trust God enough to follow Him when the road gets tough? When we get into uncharted territory for the first time, and keeping our eyes on Him, like Bruce's men did on him? Or are we just along for the ride, and when God changes lanes-in control without a radio, keep going? You see Bruce's men were trained to follow their leader, for if they didn't it could be dangerous or even life threatening. Yet we don't pay God the same respect. Is not God a better leader than Bruce? Has He or do you know anyone He has led astray?

Lost, who do you call to? In need or scared, who do you go to? And when He instructs you, do you listen? Godly advice only works when taken. And sadly reflects on your disobedience instead of His Godliness. Unlike a good audience making a good speaker, God is God despite us, and doesn't have to rely on us for His reputation. Which by the way is perfect. So we need to ask ourselves the question, why do we call Him Lord and not obey?

Simply put, it is hard to trust someone you don't know. Bruce's men know him, and respect the title and what it means. So get to know God, and respect Him as God. He doesn't have to prove Himself, isn't the fact that He is God enough? That He created the world out of nothing? And that only Jesus can save you from hell? Isn't that enough to cause you to pay attention? And listen?

Bruce had obviously led his men through danger before. Stop and think, then thank God for what He has done for you. And if you can't hear God over the radio, turn it down. And avoid the kill button! The still, small voice of Jesus can be heard over everything and anything if you are listening.

STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! The same sign at railroad crossings just might save your life, and your soul! Ride safe, and may you all have many more miles left to travel. And who you follow will determine where you are going-and where you end up!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogpsot.com