It is almost winter, so for me that means the new model years motorcycles
are just hitting the stores. After reading anything from spy photo shots with
rumor stories to artist renditions of a highly anticipated new model, magazines
become the new beacon of hope for those who cannot get out and ride. For some
companies it is exciting as new models are finally here, and as much as they are
desired, our bank accounts haven't kept up with the progress. For others it is
new colors of the same old bike, which still somehow makes us desire one. Yet
others do a little custom work, jack up the price, and through clever ads-which
we always fall for, but never admit to, flood the showrooms. It is winter, we
can't ride as much, or at all, but we can go and sit on one in a heated
showroom, while looking at snow piled high just the other side of the windows.
Outside it is winter, but inside it is warm, and in our minds we are riding-just
not on the road yet.
And for me it means new motorcycles to ride as Triumph redoes its press
fleet. With four new models, I will be again riding bikes the dealers haven't
seen yet, and the magazines haven't tested. In warm weather, where the only
window that separates me from reality is the window of opportunity. And how
fast I can put 1500 miles on the new model before I take it back for another.
More than colors, the smell and feel of a new bike that no else has seen
quickens the senses, and makes you realize how much winter sucks, and how far
away spring can be. Wasn't it only 90 days ago you were complaining about the
heat, and the time went so fast. Why can't winter pass as quickly? And after
seeing how the new models are faster, quicker, and lighter-on a per pound basis
they just got way more expensive-good thing we don't buy motorcycles by the
pound. But we still greet them with the same enthusiasm as new car owners did
to longer, lower, and wider 50 years ago. Now being substituted for words like
traction control, ABS, ride-by-wire, and even cruise control on the touring
models. Yes it looks like winter will last longer again this year because of
what we have to look forward to. God, grant us patience-NOW!
Years ago Kawasaki knew of our desire for spring, and introduced plans to
buy your new bike in the middle of winter, and then pick it up in the spring. I
even did this once with a BMW, which really made it worse when spring hit, I
picked it up, and the next day it snowed. Even Triumph ads a few years back
proclaimed "Winter Sucks!" and hurt us more than helped us through them by
offering special deals on bikes we could ride, but only look at until spring.
And the beat goes on...
Yet this proclamation of good news, the gospel of springtime, good weather,
and new motorcycles gives us hope when the weather is at its worst. And as we
go, proclaiming spring is coming, we are also told by Jesus to "proclaim the
gospel, and make disciples. Preaching the word, in season and out of season."
Seems He knew something about our desire to ride in winter. But many
misinterpret this as they either think preaching means inviting someone to
church to let the pastor preach at them, or deluge the poor unsuspecting with
their version of it. So when I saw a young girl interrupt while I was listening
to a homeless woman, asking "Do you know God?" I knew she meant well, but was
rude. Not only to me, but to this woman also. She had an audience, me, and in
a world where no one listens to the homeless, I was. Sharing the gospel. In
love, but after being interrupted I left. Winter had arrived, but the gospel
wasn't in it. Words mean nothing without the love of God to back them up. If
only we would listen to God, but our actions tell more of how we don't than how
much we do sometimes. A lesson to all of us...
The gospel is simply the truth that God has already done. And how He wants
to do it for everyone, not just the so-called special ones. We are all special
to God or He would not have sent Jesus to die for us while we were yet sinners.
But many endure winters in their lives without concern for others, only looking
forward to what they want, or what they think they should do. Perhaps that is
why Jesus fed the hungry, not the poor. He gave drink to thirsty, not the
poor. He clothed the naked, not the poor. And He was seen visiting those in
jail or sick, not just the poor. He listened, then met the need. He saw the
needs in the people's heart, and ministered to it. His words mean something, do
yours? Or are they just another repetition of a trained sermon, for without
love we all are just a clanging symbol to the world. And lately those symbols
seem to be right next to my ears-can we show compassion instead of just telling
someone about it? Can we take a minute to show Jesus instead of just bragging
about Him?
A good ad makes us want to go into the dealer and ask questions. Does your
life want people to know more about Jesus, or when they see you coming cover
their ears to deaden the clanging symbol? Jesus taught in the church, but
ministered on the streets. He is love, is that what we show others? Are you
inviting someone to church, or a club meeting, or inviting them to know Jesus?
Are you in the Word? Is the Word in you?
For over 42 years I have endured winter waiting for the springtime of new
bikes, new roads, and new friends that appear each year, sometimes despite me.
How many years has the gospel endured, not because of you, but because of Jesus'
love? Correct-tell the truth, rebuke-it may be harsh, but sometimes CPR of a
soul is needed, and encourage-show the way, and lead if needed. Call them,
don't wait for them to call you. Don't just sit on the motorcycle wishing you
were riding, get out and ride. Cold days you can dress for. Snow piled high
along dry roads makes a great escape. Take the gospel to others with the
enthusiasm we have for spring, and whether it is for a new bike, or just a
chance to ride the old one again, look to Jesus. His gospel is the only agenda
we should have, and when shared with great patience and careful instruction in
love we shall see souls saved, lives changed, and winter won't seem as
long.
And you can always sit on a bike not facing the windows if it still snowing
outside, away from the harsh winter. Don't turn from Jesus. It is only 100
days to spring...but today just may be the day of salvation for someone you
know...or for you? Don't miss any chance to ride, or to share the gospel. Or
it may just be a good time to catch up on your reading, I know this book, a
best seller, if you're interested....It may be winter to you, but to someone
somewhere a snowmobile is just waiting to be ridden.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com