If you have ever read the patches on any biker’s vest, it is not unusual to
see one stating “in memory.” Although we appear to be a rough and tumble group,
I have found that if you need something done, call a biker. They tend to have
the biggest hearts, are eager to give of time, and readily open their wallets
for a good cause. Underneath the black leather of many beats a heart of gold,
just waiting for the right time to exercise it. My friend Mark H. is one of
them. He came to San Diego and got involved in motorcycle ministry, along with
his wife Laura. She was a newbie rider, and of course her bike of choice had to
be a Harley, any color she wanted as long as they were the only colors Mark
recognized-both black. And on her first ride to biker church on a Sunday
morning, she was riding in front of Mark, just like Theresa rides in front of me
so many times. As they passed the checkpoint in Temecula, Mark noticed her
right hand slumping, giving her bike full throttle, then going full speed into
concrete barriers-about 70 mph. Mark went by and slammed on his brakes, dropped
his bike and ran to her. He found her unconscious, in a pool of blood-he was
already praying. And soon the rescue squad would have her off to the hospital,
in hope of saving her life. And Mark, who has been there for so many, was
devastated. By the time I got the call, many had been to see her, among them
Pastor Fred Z., who Mark ministered with. Sitting with Mark after many had
left, and for a few afternoons after, we prayed, and he shared much about
Laura. She was able to sit up, was conscious, but in excruciating pain, and
every day her hopes of recovery got better. He would sing to her, and show her
a special love that God gives to married couples. All seemed to be going well.
But then the phone call came...
Laura had died, her injuries were too severe and she was at home and at
peace with Jesus. And Mark had lost his best friend and wife, resting only in
the knowledge she was with their best friend Jesus. And one afternoon while
visiting, he shared how he knew God was in the midst of this. He said they were
reading John 17, and God told them this was of great importance. He also said
Laura died at 534pm, and it had some significance, he didn’t know what. It was
then that God comforted him even more, 534pm is 1734 military time. So rushing
to his Bible, he turned to John 17, but there was no verse 34. Which bummed him
out, had he missed the message from God? Then he started reading John 17, and
verse 3 and 4 made it all real. They read as follows-
“And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and
Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you on earth. I have
finished the work you gave me to do.” Words written by Jesus, to His Father,
before He was crucified. An insight to a loving relationship between Father and
Son, one which we are invited to be part of. And now it all made sense to Mark,
and God gave him peace. For God has all things under control-even in the
harshest of situations.
Now it turned out we were having our annual CMA Rally in Escondido, and
having Sunday service at Biker Church. And God wasn’t done yet. Mark and I had
gotten close, he once told me that God comforted him throughout the ordeal, but
that the pain never goes away. A pain I hope to never find out about. But God
put on my heart to make a patch for Mark, and his friends, stating simply,
“LAURA 1734” No explanation, but when someone was to ask, a chance to share the
testimony Mark had shared with me. Bikers love stories. And I made a simple
tract to go with it, to leave with the one who asked, and it was in the form of
a letter to heaven. It quoted John 17:3-4, and I signed it, “your loving
daughter, Laura.” When on stage presenting it, I cannot tell if all were
tearing, Mark and I were so blinded by tears we couldn’t tell, and as we
embraced, God’s love for us truly shined through this man. Something I had
never done before, but God called me to do-I cannot tell how blessed I was and
am because of it. Just a bunch of bikers to some, but to God precious people.
But God wasn’t finished, as we were able to spend time and minister to Laura’s
sister and her husband, and Mark’s son and family came to the Lord. All because
of a tragic accident. All because Jesus loves us so much. We cannot know many
things, among them the time we die. You have no control over that, I can attest
to that. But you do have a choice of how to live, and I hope you choose life in
Christ. Laura was ready, she just didn’t know the time or the way. We won’t
either. On the way to church, or wherever, make sure you ride with Jesus. When
your work is completed, reward awaits you in heaven. That is eternal life.
Those are Jesus’ words. Bring Him glory today and assure your place in heaven.
When He gets the glory, you get the blessings. For God so loved bikers,
hookers, bankers, politicians-even you, He gave His only son-Jesus. That you
may know Him. LAURA 1734, just another patch? Only if your God is just another
God. She was that special to Him. You are that special to Him. I hope He is to
you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com