Our last stop before leaving San Antonio was for a photo op in front of the
facade of what is left of the Alamo. Waiting in a no parking zone in front of
it while Theresa went across the street for a t-shirt, she later looked at the
receipt where she had been charged over $650 for a $15 shirt. Truly things are
bigger in Texas. But it was out across the ribbon of concrete to El Paso our
night’s destination, with only one interruption in Junction, a ticket for going
76 in a 70 zone. The number one speed trap in the US of A, call it an expensive
souvenir. But staying 70-75, further up the road a black car was coming up fast
on us, and passed us at high speeds. It was a new S500, a new found friend that
we would travel with for the next few hours at between 110-120 mph. Giving me a
new respect for our Triumph Sprint ST, one of the best open road bikes I have
ever ridden. Stopping for gas, we didn’t even bother to acknowledge each other,
and soon he left us behind. Sun and water stops the rule in 100 degree heat
when riding. But our fast pace brought us into El Paso way ahead of schedule.
And when getting gas, it was about 430 pm, when Theresa suggested to ride on,
neither one of us felt comfortable, after all it was El Paso, so we cancelled
the reservation and made a new one for Tucson. Which was only 325 miles away,
so it made perfect sense after riding almost 580 miles already. Some might
think we were crazy setting off on a 325 mile ride at 430 in the afternoon,
especially after riding 600 miles already, but then they might have never been
to El Paso.
El Paso is a border town, with all of the pleasantries that one would avoid
it for. A place that if it didn’t exist, someone would invent it, because it
was on the border, and crime needs a place to fester and grow. So we passed on
El Paso, a wise choice, and made it into Tucson after dark. With only one stop,
an APS officer thought I was weaving, I was tired and one of my headlights had
burned out. He was just concerned for our safety after riding all those miles,
he would never be a hit in Junction. And we arrived safely in Tucson, after a
900 mile day. With only a 450 mile short hop to home. We have always been glad
we passed on El Paso, and avoid the area. Now you know why...
When traveling we get to choose ahead of time where we will spend the
night, making reservations. Planning ahead, it is our choice. Same with our
eternal destination. Even though it is hard to imagine that cuddly ball of life
baby as a sinner, scripture tells us all men are born into sin and fall short of
the glory of God. We are doomed to hell, but God sent his son Jesus to rescue
us, but leaves the choice up to us. Just like we chose to pass on El Paso, I
have chosen to pass on hell, and have a reservation in heaven. Made years ago
when the spirit moved on me, and asked me “who is Jesus?” And “Do I want to
spend eternity in heaven.” I knew I didn’t want hell, but a free pass to
heaven, how could I pass that up. So I asked, “what do I have to do?” Based on
some philosophies and denominations, you have to work for your salvation. Never
knowing if you were good enough to make it. No way to live. But when I was
offered the free gift, just turn to Jesus, be forgiven, and accept him as Lord
and savior, I did. I didn’t have to go to church, or even do it in a church,
Jesus would meet me where I was, as I was. I got to choose, I wasn’t forced,
and still have difficulty in understanding why someone would choose hell over
heaven. While some lie and tell that God sends us to hell, it is the truth that
he sent Jesus to rescue us from it. You can get a free pass to heaven today,
and avoid hell. So what’s your excuse?
That day the ticket in Junction served as a reminder that the law causes
death, there is no salvation in it. The Ten Commandments may be a good way to
live, but there is no salvation in them, for the law kills, but the spirit gives
life. Even by saying you have never sinned you condemn yourself as a liar, for
all have been born into it. Just watch a baby cry and carry on when it doesn’t
get its way, no one has to teach them that. But God in his mercy provided Jesus
to rescue us.
So this Easter Sunday, while some will be in church for their semi-annual
visit, we will be on the road. I rather be riding and thinking of Jesus, than
in church thinking about riding. Jesus will be on the road conducting personal
services for all who welcome him, no matter where you happen to be. Even in El
Paso. Hell Paso. You get to choose where and if and how you worship God,
wherever you are remember Jesus died for you on Good Friday, and was resurrected
just as he said he would on Easter. Anyone who can do that, has my attention.
And my devotion. My life. Things may be bigger in Texas, but heaven knows no
bounds. Like God it is endless. Some might think only a fool would head out
again with his wife on back after riding 600 miles already that day. The same
fool who chose Jesus and life. We faced the challenge of El Paso and passed it
by passing on it. You can today pass on hell, advancing to go freely. Freely
we go to heaven, but freely we to can go to hell. The most important choice you
will ever make. Which made passing on El Paso all the easier. God knows what
lies ahead and prepares a place for us. Night by night until we make it home.
Jesus is the only way to get there, the road you choose to ride on is still up
to you. Now you know why we passed on hell, too.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com