The Hollywood Casino in Jamul opened this week, and immediately a huge
traffic jam began. A project that the locals for years opposed has become the
nightmare they had warned it would be, as for the first few days the 10 mile
stretch of two lane road that leads to it, yes only one road the last ten miles
from San Diego, has caused traffic delays of up to 6 hours, imagine people upset
with standing four deep in line at the checkout, now envision them waiting
hours to gamble their money away with the possibility of nothing to show for
it. One afternoon ride through Temecula should have been enough, but when you
add those who live in the Jamul area, mostly rural, who moved away from the city
for a better life, now they have had this thrust upon them. Imagine after a
hard day at work a six hour ride in traffic, with no passing lanes, cars full of
gamblers. We’ll see if it curtails after the grand opening, any bets it
doesn’t? For some a painful ride home, for those of us who ride, just another
ride and road we won’t be able to take anymore. Given the choice between wind
in my face or smoke in my eyes, guess which choice I make?
After years of working for Coca Cola, I am familiar grand openings. The
new business making its first impression on the public, prices slashed,
giveaways, and crowds looking for bargains, or just to look. Caught up in the
hoopla and traffic no matter the reason, and caught up in the atmosphere will
spend more than they expected. But whether in the grocery business, gambling,
or even the fast food business, the grand opening is their first chance to make
a good impression. And from the first McDonalds to the latest In-and-Out be
sure the lines will form that first day. You may get some incredible deals, but
is the time spent waiting worth it? Just to get a bargain? Look at all the
morons on Black Friday, and then just before Christmas the same deal without the
crowds. Is it possible the new national pastime is waiting in line, and any
age, sex, color, or creed can participate? What next, a waiting in line
Olympics? An endurance race to see who hangs on to the end? Who will camp out
the longest? Who will save the most on something they don’t want? And even
some who are just there, not aware of what is going on...stuck in traffic. Call
it the LA Freeway Olympics...and you can train everyday on your way to work, or
the casino. And you wonder why we ride and lane split...
Now two things will make a store money, more dollars per customer, or more
customers. First you must get them in. But after the new wears off, and the
prices return to normal, those who spent the first day may not return. They go
back to where they used to shop, used to gamble. But for those who live in
Jamul, well they still need to go home. And suddenly their country living has
demanded a price not figured into the purchase price, traffic. Time will tell
how much their dilemma continues, how long the bargain hunters and lookie loos
go onto their next grand opening. But for a few short days, a casino will be
celebrated....
Palm Sunday found Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt to a throng of
thousands. Many came to proclaim the coming messiah, many came to celebrate the
coming freedom from the Romans, while some just came, and others were stuck in
the traffic. For those who came to welcome Jesus as the prophesied messiah, he
was everything they hoped for, to free them from tyranny of the Romans, and put
them back into a superior position. They looked at him for what they could get
from him, and the physical overwhelmed any spiritual reward he had for them.
But as the celebrations went on, and they found he was not the panacea they
expected, their shouts went from “hosanna” to “crucify him.” They had never
heard his words, and even those who studied the prophets had misinterpreted
them. He had come just as he was promised, but with all the fanfare of a king,
not the son of God. He came to save, they expected him to deliver the
government into their hands, for their benefit. And when they didn’t get what
they wanted, had him tried on specious charges, scourged, and finally put to
death. Nothing had changed in their lives except they had come so close, but
yet denied who Jesus was. A grand opening day celebration, where Jesus opened
up the kingdom of God to the lost, but they never got the message, never took
advantage of the deal. And it goes on still today..
Yet Jesus is not a grand opening deal, a once a year sale, although we have
many CEO’s, Christmas and Easter only who live that way. His offer of salvation
is open 24 hours a day, and you can beat the traffic by praying with him
wherever you are-right now. A concept some religions deny, so they can control
you and your purchases, aka tithes. The spirit is available at all hours, and
for a short time, which we don’t know when it will end. But scripture has
warned us of catastrophic events to come, to warn us what to look for, the end
of the celebration. And despite all the warnings, and signs will still miss the
chance to go to heaven. Looking elsewhere for bargains, to show how shrewd they
are. Others may view Jesus as a Palm Sunday special, and when he doesn’t obey
their prayers, will turn to other beliefs, and away from the truth. But for
those who buy into Jesus as the son of God, sent to deliver us from our sins,
the best deals are still ahead, as we have a grand opening awaiting us in
heaven. And the rapture is even described as the sky opening and the saints,
the believers being called home. Talk about a grand opening...
And plenty of free parking, no traffic, and the ultimate deal, eternal life
guaranteed. Yet some sit in traffic willing to gamble at the casino, but aren’t
willing to take a chance with Jesus. And after all of the events have calmed
down, still have nothing to show or are closer to heaven. Blackjack is supposed
to have the best odds of winning, are you willing to bet on a 7-1 chance of
losing, when you can have a 100% chance of victory in Christ?
The ads will get you in for the deals, but read the small print. Nobody
does. No small print with God, for he wants all to be his customers. Walmart
claims to be the saving place....what aisle will you find salvation on? Such a
deal Jesus has for you! You will be saved by Jesus...he guarantees it!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com