With apologies to Miss Joplin, “freedom is not just another word for
nothing left to lose.” This weekend the shocking news of a man I know, sadly
reinforced that. We stayed a couple of times time with Tom and his wife when
passing through St. Louis. Very gracious hosts, we wanted for nothing, and all
seemed well. They had moved back to Missouri to open a church under the Calvary
Chapel name, but it had failed, and not sure how they were doing. When we last
saw them he was a manager for Schucks’, a grocery chain, but was about to lose
his job we later found out. But like many you know, or think you know, when not
local, you lose contact as the daily needs in your own life take precedence.
And this one has shaken me to the core.
It seems Tom, according to the courts and the news, entered a store, forced
three women, one a customer, to go in the back room, strip down, and perform sex
on him. At gunpoint. When the customer refused, he shot her in the head, and
she later died. He continued to rape the other two, then walked out, and a two
day manhunt started. They raided his home at 5am the morning before
Thanksgiving, and no word from how his wife is doing, or if she even knew of his
dark side. The city is in shock, as are those of us who thought we knew him,
and as he awaits trial, I thought of all the freedoms he has lost based on one
decision. He no longer has to be concerned with politics, he cannot vote. He
will never see another sunrise or sunset locked in his cell. He will never
order another meal, smell In and Out, or supersize a meal. No weekends, no
holidays, no birthdays, as they now are just days. And being labeled with a sex
crime, he is in danger for his life to other inmates. All the things he thought
important have been removed from him, taxes won’t matter, he cannot pay them, no
more clothes shopping, and shower shoes will be the only style for his feet.
His is alone and vulnerable, and he is just beginning to find out how sin is
costly, how if effects others, and the price it exacts from you. I feel for
him, I do not condone his actions, but how many real Christians are reaching out
to him? Praying for him as he has become an enemy? If Jesus truly died for the
thief on the cross, didn’t he die for Tom also? And so I took a ride yesterday
and thought about it all. I have many friends in prison, men and women who got
saved while behind bars, and now know the freedom in Christ, Tom thought he knew
the freedom before being arrested. And so I meditated on the Lord....
All sin is forgivable except denying the holy spirit, who is telling you
Jesus is God. Reject Jesus, it is hell for sure. Only the sin of denying Jesus
sends us to hell, all others are forgivable. And while behind bars, God is
rising up many to minister the gospel to the lost and hurting. They enjoy a
freedom in Jesus we cannot fathom the depth of, and I plan to have at least one
bike for some to ride with me when they are released, if I am still around. To
see the faces of those I only write to and receive letters from, one final ride
in the wind with them. But I was also able to get Tom’s address, but cannot
find the words now to write. Maybe just a hold, as part of me is so angry I
don’t want to condemn him, just his actions, while the other part of me wants to
rush in and love him. Then God reminded me that is his job, he is there not to
condemn, but to offer forgiveness. It is up to him to discipline, to guide, to
comfort, and to bring life into those who were dead. Jesus saves, not the
church, not us, only by his spirit will we know of sin and how it affects
others, and how to repent and to whom. How to change in him, not by religion or
cultic laws and traditions. So on my ride for Tom, the spirit ministered to me
also, and I found the ride I started out for Tom was really for me. I had some
issues God needed to straighten me out on and strengthen me in. On my rides I
usually think of those who ride but cannot, Tom doesn’t ride, and now never
will. He had freedom, now he has lost everything. Except Jesus.
Sin will always be sin, but Jesus will always be Jesus. That morning three
women never knew how their lives would be impacted and change, one mother and
wife losing her life. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, but Jesus does promise
today is the day of salvation. For those who are saved and know Jesus, we know
of a freedom beyond words, that transcends walls and bars. Not all prisons are
physical, and not all prisoners are bound. Those in Christ have the blessed
hope of one day seeing him in heaven, but for now live daily by faith, holding
on tightly to the intangible, the things of the spirit, while some hang onto the
tangible, with no hope at all. Only God gives you the choice. So to those of
you who I write to weekly, thank you for your friendship. You see God has given
me a prisoner ministry, names of men and women I may never see on earth, but
will rejoice with in heaven. You know who you are, and I love you all dearly.
For Jesus makes it personal, and now I add Tom to the list. I know there are
brothers in prison who will reach out in love, to them I thank you ahead of
time. Maybe expressed by a guy named Dooley, who is like a prisoner Apostle
Paul. Upon meeting a pastor who was recently arrested and sentenced for child
abuse, Dooley came beside him, and told me how he was helping this man prepare
for his new mission field. You see our sin may cut us off from the Lord, but he
never leaves us, doesn’t bail on us, and no walls can prevent his spirit from
changing lives. He makes it personal, so I hope Tom returns to him. He knew
freedom on the outside, we’ll see how he does with freedom on the inside. In
his soul that is. But maybe Janis was right, “nothing ain’t worth nothing if it
ain’t free.” The gospel is free so we can afford it, and simple so we can get
it. Freedom means many things to many different people, only in Jesus Christ
will you truly be set free!
You see my ride for Tom was really about Jesus, and meant for me. And
you. And us. For only in Christ will we be totally set free.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com