In the past two weeks I have spent over 1700 miles on three different motorcycles. Add a fourth, and that goes to 2700 miles in a month-not bad for a March. In like a lion, and out like a lamb, goes the old saying. And talking with Mickey yesterday when dropping off the Tiger XC, we commented on how easy the bike was to ride. Lots of power-94hp from an 800cc dirt bike, and great brakes, good handling, and a comfortable suspension. Just push the starter button and go-the computer takes care of the rest. Like I said, an easy bike to ride. Talent helps too. But getting back on my old GS1000, at 34 years old this once technological wonder is an antique. It had sat for three weeks, and didn't want to start-a quick battery boost did the trick. But it took a few minutes and a few miles for it to warm up and smooth out. Something no rider would be patient with today. But when new, we considered it the hot set-up, and it was just part of the ride. But the thing that first got my attention was how small it was after sitting on the Tiger. It felt tiny, this old hot rod touring bike, and I remember when it used to feel so big. And smooth, and fast with dual front disc brakes, and all of 82hp available. It was the king of superbikes-just ask Wes Cooley who rode it to championships and fame. But today I had to ride it, as opposed to just sitting on it and turning the throttle or applying the brakes when needed. It demanded my attention-not a bad thing when riding, but I had to think, no comment here please.
And going back two weeks I was on another bike, a Speed Triple R-perhaps the best handling bike I ever rode. Fast and fun-but I had to ride it too. For with its handling potential, I was able to go into turns faster than ever before-some 10-15mph faster, and with the radial Brembos on it-it stopped like nothing else I have ever ridden. But where I had to work hard on the GS, the S3R demanded I be part of it-and soon no thinking was required as I truly became one with the bike. And in shock again as I got back on the GS. Same rider, same roads, but what a difference a different bike makes. And what a difference the ride made. I had to "ride" the bike again. The one time dream bike of mine, with no peer at the time, was now showing her age. Still a lady, but an older lady. And me an older man. Guess maybe I have changed my riding style in 34 years, too.
When I go back to Jersey and see someone who I haven't seen in years, they ask if I still ride. And in their mind I'm on my R90S, a wild kid. So they still think that when I say I still ride. Some truth in that, but I have grown, maybe not up, but in the Lord. To my past I am just the guy who went fast, but to my friends now, I'm just the guy who goes fast...Maybe things don't change? It seems Jesus had the same problem when He went home. He was Joe and Mary's kid, the carpenter. That was how they remembered him. How could it be that He claimed to be the savior? How could it be that it was Him healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and raising the dead? Jesus? Of Nazareth? Sorry, not the Jesus I remember...He was just a carpenter then..
And so it goes that no prophet is recognized in his own home town. I know the feeling. I'm still the crazy kid on the motorcycle-it seems everyone else has grown up and old, and has something to show for it except me. But when we talk, and we get to know each other, we find that the legend changes. We both have births, deaths, kids to feed, and mortgages to pay. And we find that we have more in common with each other than we thought. Way cool when we both ride-but even cooler when we both know Jesus.
Get to know the real Jesus today. He may not be who you think He is. Or who the world wants Him to be. He is God incarnate, 1/3 of the the Trinity, and died for your sins. He wants to save you, and even though He will always be Joe and Mary's kid, He has a heavenly Father just like us that He wants to please. So don't prejudge Him. Give Him a chance. Spend some time with Him and get to know Him. But do it now.
For my old Suzuki is 34 years old, Jesus only made it to 33. Today is the day of salvation. Don't miss it. For you see motorcycles change, and get old. So do we. And we may be harder to recognize. But Jesus is the same today as He was then, and will be forever. No surprises, or doctrine changes. He still loves you, and wants to bless you. Take a ride with Him today, and share some times that someday you'll look back on like I look back when I ride my old bike. And when I ride the new ones, I compare then and now. Just like my life, before Jesus, and after Jesus.
And you know, He does change lives. Salvation is a good thing, and it goes on forever. For men may get smarter via technology, but Jesus had it all from the start. Recognize Him in your life, for although He will always be Joe and Mary's kid, the carpenter, more importantly He is Jesus, the Christ. The only begotten son of the creator of the universe. God our father! I just call Him friend.
What do you call Him? Depends on how well you know Him. Seems Jesus has a lot in common with March. In as the Lamb of God, and out as the Lion of God. And still Jesus after all these years.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com