Yutaka Katayama died last week at the age of 105. Big deal, to most no
deal at all, but to thousands of sports car fans around the world, he was well
known. Probably the most recognized man in Japanese auto history, you may have
even lusted after his signature creation at one time in your life. Born in
Japan, but with time spent in the US of A, he helped put a struggling Datsun on
the map, and with insight into what American buyers wanted, sold the concept of
a sports car to his company in Japan. The relationship between horse and rider
helped him bring the Datsun Fairlady to our shores, renamed the 240Z, changing
the world of sports cars. From the concept, to the marketing, even the name,
were his idea, and his insight put Datsun on the map, even establishing the 510,
a staple still in Vintage Racing. The Japanese answer to BMW’s 2002, another
car that changed the course of a company. I have owned a 2002, but never a
240Z, and still lust over them today. A far cry from the 4000 pound Z car of
today, after 45 years we all put on weight and change. Mr. K, as he is
affectionately known worldwide, knew what we wanted, and was patient and
persistent enough to see it through.
Clark Kent to those who knew him, was just an unassuming reporter for a
great Metropolitan newspaper. But his true strength was he was Superman, from
another planet. Who came to earth with powers and abilities far beyond those of
mortal men. Whose mission, if no more than to rescue Jimmy and Lois kept him
busy. And watching the original TV series in reruns over the weekend, I saw
some amusing things about S-man, and his friends. In one shot, you can see
where his costume ripped, and was sewn together using a dark thread, and never
repaired properly. Which made me wonder, if it is impervious to acid, bullets,
and other nasties, how did his mom ever sew it together? How did she ever cut
it apart from his blanket? I have always been impressed by how bullets bounce
off, but have never seen why the crook didn’t aim at his head. Was it his
uniform, or him that was bulletproof? And why if bullets bounced off, did he
duck when a gun was thrown at him? Maybe I am just tugging at Superman’s cape,
but I always wondered about that. Why not just assume things to be as they are,
and go with it. But where would Lois and Jimmy be today if he hadn’t been in
their lives. And how old would Clark be today, and would he still be able to
leap tall buildings at a single leap? Would those x-ray eyes need contacts, a
young Clark already did. And would his uniform last the tests of time? Would
he have ever married Lois, and would the little Kentettes have super power?
Just picture him at an AARP meeting? Maybe that is why you don’t tug on
Superman’s cape, because of who he is, and what he represents. Truth, justice,
and the American way.
Mr. K understood the American way, and without him, Nissan, aka Datsun,
might still be a second rate company around the world. But his vision, his
living among the people like Clark Kent did, allowed him to see things first
hand, and after seeing what made us tick, they both adapted their special gifts
to American buyers, and became well known around the world. One Jesus of
Nazareth was the same way. After 30 years of growing up, starting a career, and
becoming a successful carpenter, he went into ministry, the same age Jewish
priests entered it. Being fully God, he would not have needed training, but
being fully man also did. He learned all about the human conditions, and when
confronted with them I ministry, had been there and even had the t-shirt to
prove it. Jesus walked among us, to some just Joe and Mary’s kid, to others a
fined finishing carpenter, and finally when of age, our savior and Lord, Jesus
Christ. But it was out among the people where we find him, and much like Mr. K
and Mr. Kent, both Mr. K’s made an impact after getting to know the people,
seeing a need, and fulfilling it. Like Clark, Superman was right their with the
Daily Planet reporters, yet they never saw who he really was. Mr. K worked
behind the scenes, and was Datsun for its growth period, but who would recognize
him without his signature cowboy hat? Same with Jesus, his robe looked like any
other, yet was worn by the only person born a virgin, and who would die for our
sins. When not in uniform Clark wasn’t so super, without his hat Mr. K was just
another face in the crowd, and without going to the cross, Jesus was just
another missionary. Today we can look back at him in the scriptures and wonder
why didn’t the public see him for who he was? And find we are guilty of the
same thing. While some tug at Superman’s cape, many still look for God, when he
is right here with us, he left and returned for three days, and will again call
his church home. A true superman, with powers and abilities far beyond those of
mortal men. And he offers them to us, the entry fee our lives, so he can save
us and change us.
The afternoon Clark walked into Perry White’s penthouse office via the
window, life in Metropolis changed. When Mr. K entered the Datsun boardroom
that day, the auto world changed forever. And the night Jesus entered the
world, the heavens rejoiced, time on earth would never be the same. Has Jesus
walked into your life yet? Ho w has he changed you? Or are you still tugging
at Superman’s cape, wondering if his claims are real? All three men knew the
importance of relationships. Mr. K cars and drivers, Clark, Metropolis and
danger, and Jesus and sin. Only Jesus saves, the others making a mark, but only
Jesus saves. He is the Son of God, he is God, and he is our savior. And even
those who tugged at his cape when he was on earth were changed, imagine what he
can do for you today. But you must tug, you must desire him. And the spirit is
telling you “you need Jesus,” and saying nothing is saying no. To some they
pick at him like I did when I saw the dark thread repairing his outfit. Some
doubted Mr. K and his insight, yet both Mr. K’s left their mark on us today. It
takes faith and a vision to bring a sports car from concept to market, it takes
faith and vision to believe a man can fly, and it takes faith to believe Jesus
died for our sins. Vision...from above. Faith, just a little...and we all have
been given the same amount. What are you using yours for? Who do you say Jesus
is? Are you still looking for him, or do you not understand he is tugging at
your heart? Look up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane....someday it will be
a final trumpet from heaven, and we will all be called to heaven, those who
Jesus changed. Is he changing you? Has he changed you? Do you wish him to?
Some still swing a dull ax, working harder than they should, and denying Jesus.
Some are known by their arrows, yet a true marksmen is known by his aim, and not
his arrows. Some work for salvation, some fight for it, only Jesus aims his
arrow of love right at your heart. A free gift you could never earn, so why
try? Give in to Jesus today, let him change your life. Be assured of heaven,
and immortality. Forever. Which is a long, long time. Wise men still seek
him, how wise are you?
From Datsun to Nissan, from Clark to Superman, men change. How your life
changes will tell us all how much Jesus changed you. And is changing you. Only
Jesus stays the same, the one and only. The begotten, unique son of God.
Worldwide known as our savior, the universe cries it out, do you? Will you?
Some read the Daily Planet, I prefer to let Jesus lead my life, to plan it
daily. Amen.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com