At age 17 Nick Clifford was a pretty fair ball player. It was still the
Great Depression, and jobs were scarce, especially in South Dakota, where the
building of the faces on Mt. Rushmore were all the news. Under the management
of Lincoln Borglum, son of famous sculptor and designer of the project, Gutzon
Borglum, Lincoln was looking for another ballplayer for their state baseball
league team. He heard about Nick, and after seeing him play, offered him a job
working on the faces-he would eventually work on the face of George Washington.
The condition was he would play on the baseball team. Dangerous work, skilled
work, but high paying work, Nick accepted, on the condition he would play for
their team, which would be a state champ one year with him. And he would be
trained to use explosives, he already knew how to use a jackhammer, and the
stories he would come to tell, eventually writing a book, “Mt. Rushmore, Q &
A.” And some 71 years later our paths would cross.
We were on a 37 day ride across America, which would have us visit 31
states over 11,000 miles. A dream trip, we were planning on going to Mt.
Rushmore, our first visit in 33 years. After various stops for construction,
most 30-40 miles from any town-part of the Obama $787 billion bailout, we were
ready for the Black Hills. Light rain didn’t faze us, but some rude Ranger
driver wouldn’t let us pass, intent on maintaining 25mph no matter the speed
limit. But taking the extra time, meant more photo ops for Theresa, so I guess
it all evened out. Since our last visit, they had enlarged the Visitor Center,
and the amphitheater. After looking at this most impressive monument, we
wandered the book store, where Nick was answering questions, and signing his new
book. Now not too many 90 year olds have the energy Nick has, and listening to
him was captivating. He was actually there, had pictures and pieces of the work
to prove it, and even his old baseball uniform. surprised it hasn’t shown up on
e-bay, but his generation’s values go deeper than resale value. After we were
able to visit with him, and get our picture taken with him, to some just a
chance meeting, but to us thankful God had arranged it. After more viewing, we
left for our motel in Custer-stay anywhere but Custer, free advice that should
be taken, and wound back down the hill. Now the faces seemed more alive, and we
saw things we didn’t know to look for before. Now that we had met Nick, the
faces seemed to come alive, and have personality all their own. Nick had not
only been a witness, but participated in their building, he was history, and I
would highly recommend reading his short book before going. Like having our own
guide, now we knew the whys and hows, and felt like we had been there. All
because a 17 year old had baseball skills. And at over 90 still wanted to share
his story. And we got to meet the author...that made the difference in the
trip.
It is common for many to complain about not understanding the Bible. They
study, study more, memorize, take classes, and maybe even attend Bible college,
get a degree, but still never get it. Until they met the author, Jesus Christ.
Scripture tells us that it is the Holy Spirit that reveals the mysteries of the
Bible, and without knowing its author, many words have no meaning. Many fall
back on only the Word, running to it without asking God first to intervene, and
never get its full benefits. After all the book is all about God, why not get
to know the author? Rather than a Trinity of Father, Son, and the Word, take
advantage of the true Trinity-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! And remember Jesus
is the Word! What do you do when no Bible is available? What do millions do
who do not have access to one? The spirit is always there-just waiting for you
to respond, encouraging you to seek Him-what will your answer be?
Along those same lines, religion has painted Thomas as a doubter, which is
never mentioned in the Bible about him. The night after Jesus’ resurrection,
when He walked through the walls of a locked room, where the other remaining
disciples were hiding, we know where Thomas wasn’t, but not where he was. Based
on previous scripture about him, it is possible he was out on the streets-not
hiding. Yet when told how they had seen Jesus-he wanted the same. He would
believe if he could touch Him and His wounds. But when confronted by Jesus in
the same setting the next week, Jesus showed up just for Him. And when told the
same words He had said about Jesus, recognized Him as Lord and God. Never
touching Him! You see Thomas had seen the miracles, the healings, the 5000 fed
twice, and heard the parables. He was with Jesus for over 3 years, but the
others had seen the resurrected Christ-He wanted to also. And when He did, he
believed! He was and is a witness of the risen Christ, and a witness can only
tell what he has seen or heard-and Thomas now was that witness!
So get to know the author of the Bible, and watch as your life comes alive
in Christ. Just like after meeting Nick the Four Faces now had a personality,
and we felt we knew them, let the Spirit guide you into all understanding.
Educated people don’t get into heaven, saved ones do. Ask Jesus into your life
today, ask Him to show more of Himself, and to reveal Himself in the
scriptures. Get to know the author-and become a witness. See things, and hears
things, and instead of wanting to touch Jesus to believe, let Him touch you.
God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit to guide and make it all more
personal. You’ve heard of the book, now meet the author. And remember the
words of Jesus after His encounter with Thomas-“you have seen and believe,
blessed are those who have not seen and believe.” That’s us. Be blessed
today. Witnesses wanted, apply to Jesus. He’ll show up for you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com