.jpg)
Thanks to channels like the History Channel, Discovery, and others like it,
we are privy to a part of history we otherwise would have missed, and not known
we have missed it. But it has also given rise to collectible prices, on items
that previously no one wanted, because no one cared about. Add E-bay, creative,
yet false advertising, and the prices go up. It seems if you paid more it must
be worth more, or if it’s rare, based on claims, it must be worth more because
of its rarity. Based on that all Ramblers should be priced higher than any
Chevy or Ford, fortunately we are spared that gouging yet. But with these
shows, an audience grows around them, and the people become bigger than the
show, like American Pickers. Nice guys, cool job, but I wonder how many
affordable items today are priced and sold as collectibles, based on something
they may or may not have said. Rare means rare-like in a steak-raw. Not one of
50,000, of which only 30,000 remain today. And the reason they are rare is even
more important. 3 on the tree, business sedans, with a 6 cylinder and no
air-would you buy one? Yet I see them with signs on them-rare, limited
production. It is like the basic Escort I bought with no air, radio, and not
one option. As basic as you can get-a price leader-it was rare. Wish I had
known all this when I sold it. I also had a basic Rabbit in 1976, VW’s name for
it. Rubber everywhere, cardboard door panels, no insulation, and the skinniest
tires ever put on a car. Built to a price, dealers loaded them up-except mine,
I opted for a radio. And radials. Both bought as basic transportation in bad
weather when I couldn’t ride. Rare-as I never saw another basic Rabbit, and
like the ad said for the Escort-*1 available a this price. I bought a classic
and didn’t know it! What was I thinking...I could be retired now....
But the word that I hear over used too much, is that OK to say, is “Barn
fresh.” As if the careful storage the owner gave it, piling old parts on it,
piling trash around it, and leaving it in a building falling down was of premium
concern. In my experience, most stuff left in barns was there because that is
where they died. Worn out, over used, used up, not worth scrap, they were
hauled away with other recyclables-before we recycled, and left to rust away in
the bad winters, or rust when April showers invaded their safe and secure
lodging. Out of sight, out of mind, until the owner dies, and they find the car
in the barn-and suddenly a barn find is found, the value goes up, and we have a
new buzz word to use when bragging why we paid to much. If I had a barn, I
would have left the Escort in it, and waited 20 years-and would have been
retired-better than my 401/201/all gone K. But barn finds they are, adding
perceived value, while ignoring why they were left there in the first place.
Giving the mundane their 15 minutes of fame, and the finder or owner a financial
boost. While waiting just around the corner, the Ministry of Trendy Words is
anxiously anticipating dropping another slang on the eagerly waiting and
deceived. Barn fresh and farm fresh-not to be confused.
Which makes me wonder, do Christians watch these shows? Do they know the
language? If not, why are they missing out on the greatest opportunity of all
time, and not promoting Jesus as the World’s Greatest Barn find? Farm fresh-it
doesn’t get much fresher than being born in one, not left to die in one.
Imagine a sermon, today we are talking about the greatest barn find ever, and He
is truly barn fresh. Jesus Christ, and think of the ads-might even see one on
Pickers...on the History Channel. He is historical isn’t He, after all the
years are AD, after Him. Imagine Him before Pilate-“but sir He’s barn fresh!
Think of how rare He is!” And they would be speaking the truth. Little icons
could be made for the dashboards of cars, songs written about Him, books written
about Him-hey, a whole new religion based on His being barn fresh could spring
up-think of the opportunities! Wonder how that would have effected the price of
His clothes the Roman soldiers drew lots for? Imagine the price of the barn
today! Maybe Christians are missing out on this barn fresh idea. Just a
thought...
But the truth is, He is still alive, and His barn fresh beginning only
tells part of the story. We celebrate His birth on Christmas Day, maybe we
should call it Barn Fresh Day! No more nativities, but barn fresh displays.
Even heathens get excited over barn fresh. We can give each other gifts, sing
Barn Fresh songs, send Barn Fresh cards, and ditch the whole Santa thing for a
couple of farm hands, in jeans and flannel shirts. No more Rudolph, a red neck
will hang him on the wall as a trophy. Keep the ACLU and its minions from going
against Christ. Maybe it is the venue, and it needs up dating. After all, it
is 2000 years old...so Barn Fresh it is!
But that doesn’t help with Easter, Good Friday, or all in between.
Fortunately Jesus is much more than a barn find, or an empty tomb. He is the
person of God, a very real and living person. Even has a home in heaven. And
unlike programming issues on TV, His book, the Bible is available 24/7. With no
ads! No commercials-you can sit and read all you want. But the most important
thing is you can communicate with Him, He is not for sale, or auction. He is
not negotiable, and still the original barn fresh find. Born in a barn, because
there was no room at the inn. Consider the following ad text-
“One man found, barn fresh. Able to perform miracles, heal the
sick, raise from the dead. Rare, one of a kind, completely original. All
numbers match, certification going back 2000 years. Previously sold for 30
pieces of silver, this barn fresh opportunity for eternal life can now be had as
a gift. Lifetime opportunity, time limited. Call XXX-XXX-XXXX. References
upon request.”
Barn Fresh Day is nearly here, the ads will be starting soon.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Jesus Christ-the best buy
you’ll ever make-and at prices you can afford. An investment that makes any
401K look pale by comparison. Barn Fresh and ready to add value to your life
today. And about that empty tomb...included at no extra charge. What are you
waiting for? * He’s the only one available at this price!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com