How many time shave you gotten into a car with a crazy and wish you
hadn’t? Or didn’t know or heed the warnings of friends? Designated drivers may
be sober, but are they necessarily sane? We live in a strange world where if
you can navigate a few blocks without hitting anything you can get a drivers
license. To drive a truck or motorcycle you must have a special license, but not
to drive an RV. Ever notice the grinning idiot trying to keep his beast in the
same lane, while pointing out the sights to his kids who could care less, while
driving 45 in the fast lane? Maybe it is a talent to ignore other drivers, to
me it is just plain rude. I think I would rather take my chances with
Kowalski. I just hope those aren’t bulldozers up ahead....
Imagine you are Peter, and your little brother Andrew introduces you to a
man, who invites you along, telling you to drop everything and follow him? Ever
wonder what it was with the disciples that made them follow Jesus, some without
hesitation? Some had careers, some had plans to overtake the government, but
each one gave up what he was doing to follow Jesus. The spirit calling to them,
in a way that made the answer easy, but still not knowing what lay ahead. Today
that same spirit is still calling, and we were called and answered like they
did. Maybe not as famously, but we took a chance on this man who claimed to be
God, and followed him, trusting him with our lives and our eternal destiny. He
rescued us from darkness, one so blinding dark we didn’t see it, and tells us
anyone who hates his brother still walks in it. Signs like hostility,
indifference, and lack of concern for others show where our hearts are with
God. Funny how we are not enticed to follow the dark, yet we live in it while
believing the light of the Lord is guiding. Today while so many evangelize,
maybe a look back at one Juan Carlos Ortiz, and the message God gave him for the
church may enlighten us.
Although we claim to be individuals in Christ, we tend to walk in whatever
the denomination, pastor, or teachings tell us. We want to fit in, but yet
stumble when it comes to the truth. It is easy to ignore the spirit we cannot
see, but hard to ignore the peer pressure at church. Sadly the world has
interpreted the church as Jesus, and religion as his gospel. It is true he
chose some questionable ones like me, but through guys like us he can show his
love and power. It is in our weakness his strength is made perfect. So Juan
took his message of unity in the spirit to the churches in his city. Who at
first didn’t want to hear it. Dismayed he knew what God had told him, and it
was God who brought the churches together. Much like the lion and the lamb who
will someday sit and eat together, it may be easier for two animals than it is
for two religious groups of people to eat together. And they have no access to
the spirit! Yet so much hate goes on in religion, is not a true believer
supposed to love others, not just those he chose? Didn’t Jesus die for us while
we were yet sinners? Didn’t someone take a chance and share the gospel with
you?
When Christians hate, or don’t get along, we have an appearance no
different than an atheist. If we pick and choose what we believe, it takes no
faith, and the works it fosters are not of God. God is light, how can a brother
hate another and still be called a Christian when he is walking in darkness?
Darkness is the total absence of light, not a dusk or dawn light, no light at
all. Only in God’s light will we see clearly and love, and only Jesus can
change a heart so it will. Something to remember next time you brag “I could
never forgive him..” Jesus did, are you better than him in judgment? Is your
gospel greater? Even the apostle of love had his heart changed by Jesus. Who’s
changing yours?
Yet many choose to ride with Rockford, get chased by Duel, and even ride
with Kowalski. Unaware of the God who loves them keeping them alive to give him
one more chance to be saved. You can only revive something that was once alive
but now dead, except in a graveyard. A true revival starts in the heart, and is
led by the spirit. It not only wants us to pray more, read more, study more,
and fellowship more, but to love as Jesus did, the one great commandment above
all others. Some may live by the 10 Commandments, but there is no salvation in
them. A great way to live, but not forever. Love the Lord with all your
heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. No man ever hated himself and loved
others. Until he was forgiven and forgave himself. The key component to
salvation, forgiveness. So give me and others another chance. That RV driver
may be your son, father, or uncle. You may have Rockford blood in you, be as
cool as McQueen, and have a French Connection, but without Jesus you have
nothing. Would you ride with Kowalski or with others in one Accord with
Jesus?
Make your choice soon, those bulldozers are getting closer....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com