I had this dream based on one of an old dentist I knew in Albuquerque. He had wanted an old 1937 Packard V-12 Dual Cowl Phaeton, and finally found one in Minnesota. Taking the train there, he was at first refused entry at the seller’s door, he looked ripe after a few days on AMTRAK, but when he dumped out the cash from a grocery bag on the porch, he gained entrance. It turned out to be a good deal for him, the Packard as advertised, and so in my own dream, I wanted to buy a used motorcycle the same way. I put 1500 mile radius out, and found a 1978 Suzuki GS1000E in Lynwood, Washington, at a dealer. Who claimed the bike looked like the pictures, the mileage was accurate, and it had been safety checked, still not sure what that means. So after agreeing to a price, he said he would hold it without a deposit, seems I was the only one interested, and so I flew up, he got me at the airport, and off to the dealership.
When I arrived he had it parked at the front door, and it looked like I remembered them, we agreed to another price, greedy Washington taxes, and I talked with the parts guy, that and service always the best place to confirm or deny the sales department stories. He confirmed it was a one owner bike, left in a barn, but stored well, and any parts needing replacing were done with OEM parts, down to the handlebars, where he showed me the part number stamped into them. It wasn’t perfect, but for 20,000 miles, it looked great, money changed hands, and I was off.....with only the traffic jam between Seattle and Tacoma, think of the 91 on steroids, to slow me down. I had planned on a four day ride, due to mileage and age of bike, and of rider, but it ran so well I did the 1400 miles in two days. Running strong at 80 mph down the 5 past Redding, Sacramento, and then the 99 and again the 5 to home. All without any problems short of a speedo cable breaking.....5000 rpm equals 80.
I had done well, almost the unexpected in the purchase, and for six years and 10,000 miles it ran flawlessly, replacing a clutch and tach cable, doing the maintenance, and new tires. Selling it to a man from LA, who read the Craigslist ad, and gave me the cash without question. I had made a few bucks on the deal....it was his turn to enjoy it. Maybe fulfilling a dream he once had...I had lived mine.
I’m not sure if this story is more about me than the bike, or the bike more than the person. But one thing Christianity should never be about is anyone other than Jesus Christ himself. I have met many men used of God over the years, but very few great men of God, men who desired God get all the credit, rather than themselves. I watch as pastors hawk their book at services, special events are held for speakers/evangelists, and celebrations that turn into a media event. I once questioned a man who seemed right on about his signing being a paying gig, would he have done it for free? I know too many who will not show up until a contract is signed, shame on both parties for not trusting, but he admitted he would. He was sold out to Jesus, and it wasn’t about him or his singing, but how he was able to minister the gospel of Jesus, not himself. I believed him, I hope I was right. But in Acts we are reminded of a man called Simon, known as a great man, and a practicer of sorcery, who told everyone he was great, and they believed him. But when confronted by the true greatness of the spirit, had no chance. We all know of TV, radio, or even local churches who are in it for the money, you may be in one. They may boast about prosperity, and how the richer you are, the more prosperous you are, but God sees it different. He says as the inner man prospers, then does the outer man. His way, not ours. It is a counterfeit Christianity, close for awhile, then deviating from scripture. Genuine Christianity makes all of Jesus and none of us, the counterfeit the opposite, it is all about the person’s ministry, how he tells the gospel, and how he is the final word on it. Never mind the Bible, although it quoted haphazardly. Paul reminded us we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ crucified. We do not need any mediator between God and us except for Jesus Christ. Period.
This doesn’t mean all the message is tainted, but to be a wise as a serpent, yet as gentle as a lamb. To be discerning, using the insight the spirit gives in judging, to seek truth over popular opinion. You may get ostracized by man and his church, but that is better than being denied heaven without Jesus, our choice. So beware, some men bask in the limelight, they love to hear their name called, they too are like Simon. It is all about them, and God doesn’t share the bill or stage with anyone. Selling lots of books, or selling out concert halls in the name of Jesus may not be all about him, listen to what is said, for many like to have their ears tickled, but run from the truth. True worship is between you and God, and needs no musician to mediate. Beware of book sellers, who are on a book tour, using pulpits to gain popularity. If Jesus is not the main event, no warm up band will sway the elect, but many are fooled by the hypocrisy. Don’t you be, accept nothing but the authentic Jesus....
So maybe buying a bike a long distance over the phone is like hearing the gospel, it may tickle the ears for awhile, the words and pictures make us want to believe the claims, but when we come face to face with him, the truth is there to see. Not a 20 footer or even a 5 footer, but the closer you get, the realer he becomes. So seek him first, then see if the words meet his. If the photo op is all about him. You may be trendy and popular at church, but are you in God’s eyes? For me it was buying a motorcycle by faith, don’t make the same mistake with God. I knew I wasn’t getting perfection, in Jesus I get nothing less. Led astray, there is still hope, as when Simon heard the truth of the gospel, he believed when confronted with the truth. But yet he was unwilling to let go of his money and his past....a key to repenting. He was still bitter and captive to sin....salvation is much more than an emotional event, it is heavenly in nature, and we must repent and be born again to enter. His last words, asking of prayer that he may be saved...
Don’t wait until your last words are draining from you. The worst that could have happened to me was I would have had to fly back home, or broken down on the road. Some say I rode by faith, but it was really trust, trust in the one I know intimately and personally, not through any person but one to one. If your whole relationship with Jesus is church based, you may be saved but miss out on all the blessings. If your life is based on any book or author other than God, you are being lied to. Simon was confronted, “your heart is not right with God.” Your heart may be physically OK but spiritually rotten. Simon’s was, for there are great men, but only one who was and is the greatest. Jesus Christ. Anyone else is a lie. Beware of subtle lies that tickle the ears, of opinions that make you comfortable. Of how to books on how to pray, to be saved, to live for Jesus their way. Jesus is the way....the only way. Now you know, what say you.....
love with compassion,
Mike
mattehw25biker.blogspot.com