I can remember when I-78 in New Jersey was started, and the excitement when
it was partially completed. Wow-traveling at speeds of 60mph uninterrupted, and
getting to Grandma’s 15 minutes sooner. No more of my Dad creeping down Jugtown
Mountain, now we cruised through the mountain cuts easily. We were to arrive in
Phillipsburg quicker, only to have to take old US 22 the rest of the way, but oh
the things we had seen. It was like a ride in the country, as no roadside
business existed, and we saw the backside of farms we had seen from the old
road. And it was 2 or 3 lanes wide in places-you could pass, or as in our case
get passed. And then when we got our licenses, a great place to blow out the
carbon as we used to do, hitting high speeds. But having ridden that same road
a few years ago, it now was different. It was completed, and where once we had
to get off and go through towns, now you could even go all the way through to
Pennsylvania on the new road. No more stopping before going up College Hill, no
more crossing and eating at Jimmy’ Hot dogs, and now the speed traps had found
their way to the Interstates. A road that once had promised and delivered so
much had now just become another old road, just a newer style. And as much as
has been written about Route 22, Jean Shepherd, he of A Christmas Story fame,
once did a great documentary on Route 22, and how it once mirrored America. And
for the most part I miss the old road, as I like to see the businesses and life
along it, and stop when I want to eat instead of waiting for the next exit
filled with franchised food outlets. Note I didn’t call them restaurants, or
even diners-they’re gone too. But what makes a road memorable? What is it that
makes us want to go back instead of ahead further? Have you ever heard a song
about any Interstate or freeway? So I looked, and there aren’t any, just some
obscure lyrics leaning more towards the highway then the freeway. So have we
come so far that we have nothing to sing about? Where is the romance of I-40?
Does anyone get there kicks on I-66? Did you even know there was one? Found
one in Virginia, that I had bypassed on a previous ride, but still no songs
about the Interstate Highway System, or the freeways. I can be sure that James
Taylor didn’t mean the congestion on I-95 when he sang “take to the
highway.”
But yet we travel many roads that are forgettable. Some everyday, some
that we get on and off of without a second thought, substituting exit numbers
for names of roads. I call them not so famous roads, and until something
eventful happens on them, they remain anonymous in our memories. Take Stemmons
Freeway in Dallas, just a commute for some, but made famous as we all see the
sign when JFK is shot. Maybe infamous in more accurate. US 550 in Colorado is
better known as the Million Dollar Highway, cheap by today’s standards, but what
a ride. A biker’s dream is riding the Dragon, but how many have ridden the
Snake, more curves, less people, and more views. Dylan sang about Highway 61,
but having travelled it, the heritage is rich, and beats again any freeway that
bypassed it. Having gotten my kicks, and gotten kicked off of Route 66 I can
tell you that before it became folklore, it was just another old road, now
famous. I wonder if the Joad family thought it romantic to travel to California
on it? And if you ever have driven down Santa Monica Blvd., old 66, maybe you
can see why it is easier to take the freeway. Not all areas are as safe as
remembered in song.
And yet some roads just serve their purpose, getting you there without
incident, and that is what is memorable about them. Nothing happened, and that
was a good thing. But take one, a road once referred to 2000 years ago as
Bloody Pass. Could have been a great biker hang out. But this treacherous road
from Jericho to Jerusalem was the basis for a great parable, and for lending its
name to many hospitals today-the Good Samaritan. Much has been written about
it, and taught, but how many times do we travel on a road like this,
treacherous, but the only way to get there? Where was the freeway in Jesus’
time to combat this? And where are these roads today?
Certain characters stand out in this story, but little reference is given
to the innkeeper who gave him solace, and took care of this poor victim until
the good Samaritan returned. He was a man of character, but also maybe just an
innkeeper, knowing he would get paid when the man returned. But maybe he was a
traveller too, and would want extended to him the same courtesies as the
stranger. Maybe he had been jumped once, or abused, or taken hostage, and had
compassion shown to him. A lot of maybes-which one can you relate to? Many
times I have been shown favor by innkeepers, letting me park my bike under a
porch, or even take it into my motel room. One night in a storm, the motel
manager in Verde Valley even called the highway patrol when I was late while
riding. Another time the manager in Zanesville gave me a room for half price
because I was on a motorcycle. So there are still any good Samaritans out there
when you need them. But can you be called a good Samaritan?
The Samaritans were hated by the Jews, which may be why the innkeeper is
not mentioned by name. But even though hated he showed mercy to one who may
have hated him. The man showed grace and mercy, do we do that to our enemies?
Do we take a bad situation and make it worse by our prejudices? Is the only
memories of some roads travelled the yuks we met along the way? How you answer
tells a lot about where Jesus is in your life. We were all once hated
Samaritans at one time, except God loved us, so much He sent Jesus. As we go
with Jesus do we greet any Samaritans? Or do we even try, or worse yet, cross
over as the priest and Levite did? Do we go into impure situations and remain
pure because of who we are in Christ? Do we welcome the stranger, or just try
to pass him off to another. Probably the saddest statement I ever heard about a
church was being told I was the only one there caring about the poor. Where is
that pastor today? What kind of innkeeper was he to his flock?
When a man asked me about grace, I told him to go and love someone
unlovable. Be nice to them, listen to them, become their friend. Just like
Jesus did for you. For in your travels it is impossible to stay off certain
roads, so take Jesus along. Suddenly the right road may become the wrong road,
but Jesus is still with you. He is that innkeeper who will give you what you
need, and He knows from His first night experience on earth. We are all
innkeepers of a sort, how we welcome others shows the love of Jesus. Make a
reservation in heaven with Him today...rooms are going quick, but still
available. And when the road gets rough, you probably are on the right road.
Making a testimony, and giving the road a new meaning. Just like Jesus did for
you...so many roads, so little time, but just enough Jesus to get you home
safely. There is no freeway to heaven, but it is toll free. Paid in full at
the cross-where all good roads start and end. No wonder Jesus spent His life on
the road, He was looking out for us. And certain innkeepers to follow in His
name. Any road with Jesus...He is the light that was left on for you.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com