making the payments doesn't make you a rider

Thanks to an unprecedented marketing plan, Harley Davidson sells more bikes in the US of A than anyone else.  A marketing plan so rich and deep, so simple yet so successful that they market it through college courses.  And in a few words, it works.  They sell an image of what they think a biker wants to be, and many have fallen into it.  And because of their sales success, it has forced their product to become better also.  Whoever thought you would find ABS on a Harley, let alone Brembo brakes?  Harleys that handle?  Reliable?  Women riding them?  And yet they sell them with no discounts to those waiting in line to get them.  Any product would love to have the sales success Harley has, congrats to them.  What a move, especially from a company that 30 years ago approached the Federal Government to put a tax on any imported bike over 700 cc’s, because no one was buying?  But they came through when they needed to, and I find their comeback incredible, and worth emulating.

Almost 100 years ago Alfred P. Sloan, the architect of General Motors made two outstanding quotes.  “You can sell an old man a young man’s car, but you cannot sell a young man an old man’s car.”  Very true.  And then “General Motors is not in the business of making cars, it is in the business of making money.”  And their history speaks for  itself, until the 1980’s, about the same time Harley started their comeback.  They found you can sell a biker looking bike to anyone, but not anyone would buy a bike without an image.  Bad is good, good translates to profits, and t shirt sales.  Of which they sell more of than some motorcycle manufacturers do bikes.  Which gave rise to the slogan “$20,000 and 20 miles do not make you a biker.”  Leathers, a V-twin, your wife wearing clothes two sizes too small, and having decal of the Bar and Shield on your pickup do not make you a biker.  Yet many fall under the illusion, and today when someone who doesn’t ride hears you do, the instantly think Harley. 

Yet why are their so many 1 or 2 year old Harleys sitting in the used line of Japanese stores?  Did Harley get them in, or back after years out, but couldn’t keep them?  When the HD means hundred dollars translated into thousands, did they go elsewhere?  Did they find that performance can and reliability can cost less?  Did they learn that riding is more than an image, more than a life style, but it is fun?  And the fun only ends when you do?  Can heritage only take you so far, we’ll see what happens to Indian in a few years.  Triumph learned the lesson, and builds more than Bonnevilles.  Some like to ride, to some it is all about the image, to others they never get it.  The $20k biker is alive and well, at least for 20 miles or until all his friends have seen his new ride.  Then it is back to his SUV after his wife complains about helmet head, or she can’t text while riding.  A $20k lesson on life.  While the rest of us ride, because we want to.  Real bikers will never be trendy, stylish, or fit in with an SUV/mini-van dominated world.  Rebels to the end, long after the 200 mile test has left many a new Harley, or Triumph, or Indian, Ducati, Guzzi, or Honda for sale.  Helmet and leathers included.

Those of us who are real bikers, can spot the image conscious non-riders.  Works with Christians too.  Lately too many I know are going through a crisis, and fail at the altar of Christ.  But never leave.  When offered a choice by Jesus, Peter answered “where else will we go?”  He and his fellow disciples had been with him and seen the miracles.  The great teachings.  But they had also seen themselves scared and embarrassed by things he had said.  They had and would suffer insults, threats, and even death by serving him, by being a Christian.  Just by being seen with him could lead to jail or death.  Yet when offered a choice, to go or to stay, they made the right decision, they chose Jesus.  They could not deny his words had given them hope, and eased their fears.  His wisdom was like no other, and his ways backed up his words.  Peter states “we have believed and come to know.”  Believing led to seeing.  They weren’t like the image conscious biker who spent $20k to fit in, when it rained, they rode.  Wife’s air a mess, buy her a comb.  When the road called we answered, and riding became intertwined in our lives.  We didn’t quit when it broke down, bad weather didn’t keep us inside, and our image became our character, instead of the other way around.  We ride.  And Peter saw the difference when Jesus came into a life.  His included.

Life has, is, or will throw things at you that you cannot understand.  We will someday, or for weeks walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  But we know Jesus is with us.  He is no poser, his words are truth, and we choose to stick with him despite the situations.  We know that heaven lies ahead, and that our true testimonies are based on what he has done in our lives when nothing else could or would.  We find that like the disciples, we have contemplated something or someone else.  We may have even strayed, but in our hearts always knew it was all about Jesus.  And given the final choice, no matter the situation that led to our pity party, we choose Jesus.  For we really have no other choice.  There is no SUV alternate to life after riding with him.  You smell the air, feel the road, and see things through his eyes, and suddenly it all makes sense.  And just like the t-shirt says, “if I had to explain it, you wouldn’t understand.”  Yet some cannot explain, so it is not up to us to understand, but to trust. 

Some ride for a season, some to be seen.  Real bikers are in it for life.  We have checked out the alternatives and found no other way we rather get on down the road.  And Jesus is the same in my life, and others who believe.  We have been given the choice, and we chose Jesus.  We aren’t in it for image or acceptance, we are in it for love.  It goes way beyond understanding, way beyond words.  Like God told me, “how can you describe an infinite God using finite words?  To finite minds?”  It takes the spirit to change, then nurture and grow us.  We will have tough times, but he will carry us through.  There will be days we take the car and wish we had ridden.  All our decisions will not be right, but the one to choose Jesus will lead to forgiveness.  And mercy, which can only be found after you screw up.  If you have found your life in the line of used lives after a few rides, it is not Jesus who changed, it was your decision.  One he never forced you into, so lean on Peter’s response.  “We have found you have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe you are the Holy One of God.”   Can you say the same?

Satan has some wonderful marketing tools to keep you from Jesus.  But they are just that, tools that pale when compared to truth.  Some day you will be asked who is Jesus?  Peter knew when he answered “thou art the Christ.”  Don’t let $20k take you to find out if you are a biker.  The real ones can see through you.  We can tell by your hairdo after a ride, or your attitude to cold weather.  Works with Jesus too, he knows and we can tell where you are with Christ.  Forgiveness is the difference.  Jesus forgives, your bank note won’t.  You keep paying until it is paid off or you sell the bike.  Rather consider wisdom from above before buying into an image.  Just because you can make the payments doesn’t make you a rider.  Jesus paid it all, and considering the alternative, there is no other choice to make.  “They are weak, but he is strong.  Yes Jesus loves me...the Bible tells me so.”  If a child can get it, what are you waiting for?  Why aren’t you riding?

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25bikr.blogspot.com

is money the answer?

“Money, it’s a hit, don’t give me no @#$%^&*” sing Pink Floyd.  And in that statement in song we find truth.  As the Powerball craziness exceeds 1 billion, with a b, more and more people who cannot afford it sink their hard earned money, or allowance check into hoping to win.  Only to join the multitudes of losers who still dream and hope.  To win and become rich.  Money will change their lives, but the record tells it that even though it will, it usually has disastrous effects.  No wonder Jesus warned “the poor will always be among you,” poor in pocket, poor in spirit, and poor in hope.  Poor in Powerball.  Yet willing to gamble all they have for winning moment.  Not willing to change their ways, but hoping a great influx of cash does.

Years ago God advised me to look at situations where material things were needed, but to take money out of the equation and see the impact it had on the problem.  And almost immediately, I had to go to God, and for his advice, which never involves money.  Which we tend to put before him anyway.  He wanted me to turn to him, and his ways have always been the best.  But you have to trust him, listen to his advice, then take it.  Good advice only works when applied.  And no check can cover the value of walking with Jesus in the spirit.  It has been said and wisely, that “man plans, and God laughs,” but I also believe he might shed a few tears for us when we don’t obey.  He wants to bless us, yet we want the cash.  I once told friends that”"if my house was on fire, don’t hand me a checkbook, hand me a fire extinguisher.”  And when it did, the extinguisher put it out, the insurance money that followed led me to court.  God knows, and we saw him in the process, and we won, but in ways we wouldn’t have expected.  God’s ways are not our ways, and Jesus is the way.  So get out of the way, into his way, and trust...and receive blessings.  The biggest and best one how he saw you through it.  And he does, and will...offering peace and joy.  Rest in the midst of the storm.

Good lawyers know the answer before they ask the question, and Perry Mason was the best.  He saw things in a different way, and was able to sort through the symptoms and find the facts.  We don’t have Perry when we need him, but we do have Jesus.  And on one afternoon, far from town, he was faced with a crowd that was hungry with no way to feed them.  So he asked Philip, “what should we do?”  He knew Philip had no money, nor food enough for the crowd.  They were still 2000 years from the local Big Mac, and the question must have mystified old Phil.  “Why is he asking me?”  But Jesus used it to prove he was God, he could meet the need, a physical one, in supernatural ways.  And we all know the story, 5000 fed with a few loaves of bread, and a few fish.  It is never recorded a diner popped up on the location, but what a location that might have been?  Mickey D brags about billions served, do we brag on Jesus and his 5000 served?  How about the one we serve?  No drive through, no coupons, no EBT, and no one went hungry.  Remember it took the disciples to pick up the uneaten, that filled one basket for each.  Talk about a take out order, do we need Jesus now or will that be to go?

Jesus knew the answer, he wanted Philip to see how the situation was overwhelming, and without God’s intervention was hopeless.  Now, what are you facing that seems hopeless?  What is going on in your life that needs Jesus to answer?  Health, family, financial, relational, physical, mental, or even spiritual?  Jesus is the answer, talk about a hit, and he won’t give you no  !@##$%^!  His answer was simple, “feed the multitude,” then he told him how.  Then Phil listened and obeyed.  Note his answer to Peter when he asked Jesus after his death what he wanted of him?  “Feed my sheep.”  And the stories are here for us to learn from 2000 years later. 

So while churches, ministries, and other groups answer with programs, procedures, policies, special offerings, and fund raising, Philip got ‘er done.  So beware the three p’s, and the s and f.  Go to Jesus first.  Who is the answer.  How do I know.  Remember my house fire, we ended up being sued by a lecherous contractor.  And ended up losing the case, but winning.  The house got repaired by him for free, we kept the insurance check, and even a high priced attorney gave us free advice!  We didn’t have to spend a dime.  Now, is money still the answer?

And to back it up, one miracle I don’t often tell about.  Pride and jealousy through Christian brothers limit my audience for it.  But I have bragging rights on God in it.  When I was sick, and had open heart surgery, my bill was well over half a million. But was advised by the hospital that “not to worry, they we’re not going to discharge me because I was indigent.  We are a not for profit hospital, and the bill will be taken care of.”   A bill I never could have covered, and with no insurance and in a coma, God was there.  Would good insurance made me any better than being insured by the one who saved my soul?  So as I continue to walk in faith, I see his hand in my life.  And on my heart.  Physically and spiritually.

So don’t be like Philip.  We have the answer, so did he and Jesus was right in front of him.  Take heart in the promise of the blessings of those who have never seen him, but trust him, who live in faith.  Who trust beyond bank accounts and FICO scores.  Who have the means, but don’t know the man.  And knowing Jesus will always be the answer.  Today I have a scar and the records to prove my miracle, that Jesus was there.  It is in the toughest times we get the biggest blessings, and can share the best testimonies.  To encourage others, and give God the glory.  Don’t wait for a fire or a life flight and open heart surgery to wake you up.  Is Jesus asking you right now a question that only he can answer? 

Listen, the most important part of prayer...you will be surprised.  An answer from the richest man in history, who never owned property, was born in a barn, and was buried in a borrowed tomb.  Jesus asked because he already knew what he was going to do.  Money can buy a fine meal, you will only get hungry again.  Man asks “do you want to supersize that?”  What we really need is supernatural. 

we need Jesus.  Now I ask, is money really the answer? 

love with compassion,

Mike matthew25biker.blogspot.com

kick stands up-Mikey down

In the beginning, from your very first two wheel experience, you have become familiar with them.  No matter what size, what brand, or even how it is powered, all two wheeled conveyances, except for certain race bikes have one.  Different lengths, colors, even chromed, the only serve one function, and do it very well if used properly.  We know them as kickstands or side stands, on bikes which have a center stand, an old time standard, which disappeared for a while, but is making a comeback.  Designed to support your bike at rest, many a kickstand has been warn down or off by fast riding.  On a Harley they can be used to determine maximum lean angle while parked, can serve as a warning you are leaning too far on others, and can suspend anything from a half ton Gold Wing to your 50 pound Schwinn.  They are marvelous in simplicity, yet in their functioning when coming in contact with humans can be disastrous.

BMW, and also Guzzi a long time ago into the 1970’s, used a retractable spring loaded side stand.  As soon as you leaned off it, it retracted, and more than one riding expert fell prey to it, pun intended.  Some excuse about a European law where they must retract, my friend Leonard can testify how dangerous they are if you ride off with it down, his Honda 360 catching and throwing him off his bike when he forgot to retract it.  So maybe BMW had something here, all I know is they were a pain in the, well you get it.  I one time had one fail on a press bike, a new Daytona, when it failed to lock in place, and I fell over on it, at zero mph.  Sustaining minimal damage to the bike, maximum to the ego of the rider.  “How can you ride so fast, yet park so lousy?”  Not enough speed, I guess.  And we all know of, have been, or heard of the guy who parked it uphill, and the bike fell over when it rolled forward.  The law of gravity aided by stupidity will win out every time.  But my most memorable sidestand incident was an accident, and truly not my fault.

I was sitting on a new Yamaha Vision at Handlebar Cycle.  Lined up with other Yams and Hondas, it was new, so I sat on it, to see how it felt.  Getting of, I made sure the side stand was down, a lesson taught to me when first riding, and also as a 5 time BMW owner, and proceeded to get off.  When the sidestand buckled, and broke off, and down I went, wedged between two bikes, and then the whole line of twelve proceeded to fall against each other, all in a straight line.  Just like a chorus line, call it kickstands up-Mikey’s down, and he was.  And was about to endure verbal abuse until the cause was seen, and apologies offered.  Perhaps the classic “someday you’ll look back on this and laugh” day of my life.  And a hello and a warning greeted me each time I entered the shop.  “What are you gonna fall off today?”  Such a simple theory and design, so handy but yet so dangerous all at once.

Just like the tongue, James tells us.  That it can both bless God, but curse man made in his image.  A not oft quoted scripture for faith building, but should be, as we all have done it, proving scripture to be correct.  Remember that the next time you doubt.  And it can be misused many ways, as we are also told the spirit gives us words when we need them.  Yet I have seen unsaved men run off by zealous evangelicals who rather argue.  Who only quote, or rather misquote God for their own ego.  Attending a friend’s funeral with other bikers, this pastor took the attitude he had us and he was going to tell us about Jesus.  For a full hour...and only reminded us why we don’t like going to church.  And sadly, his audience was all Christians, who evangelize better while riding than he did hiding behind a pulpit.  Why can Billy Graham speak 5 minutes and many get saved, yet pastors think they have to fill a time slot, bringing reality to the joke, “who keeps talking after people quit listening?”  “Pastors.”  Amen.

But one event I can verify that the spirit gives words to is at a Hollister Rally one year. The Boozefighters had just written  a book of their history and I wanted one.  Stopping at their booth, I met JQ, co-author and National Historian for the club.  He saw my Christian colors and immediately put me in a headlock.  “I’m glad I found you,” he said, “you’re a Christian and I have a question.  Can God make a rock so big he cannot pick it up?”  With all my spiritual theological juices flowing, I was in immediate evangelizing mode, but the words that came out were from the spirit, not my ego.  “You don’t ask God stupid questions like that.”  And he backed off, telling me it was a great answer, he was going to tell others.  And we became friends.  My 15 minute self induced answer had been short cutted by the spirit, and gave him the answer he needed.  A good thing to remember, in a headlock or not.  A lesson to remember, you can control your mouth, but you cannot control your hearing.  And scripture tells us to he who has an ear let him hear, not he who has a mouth let him speak.  Unless it is to amen that remark.

So the tongue like the kickstand has been designed for a purpose.  But when misused can get us in trouble.  Something to remember next time someone announces kickstands up, remember Mikey down.  Or Leonard crashing.  Or the fool parking against the grade of hill.  Just how far you lean may depend on that simple invention, while others exceed it, you never should when stopped, and parked.  We laugh when we look back at the 12 bikes falling on me, now at least.  I wonder how I would have been received by JQ if I had gotten theological?  Jesus knew, and still knows what we need.  He is the answer to every question.  And one last note for a refresher course.

In 25 words or less describe the gospel?  John 3:16, simple and accurate.  Something to note next time you get too wordy, or attend a funeral.  Or you just may find me riding off early, kick stand up of course.  By the way, they also make good cornering reminders....at least until they are worn off.

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

thinking inside the box

One thing missing from when I talk with younger people, aka kids, is there lack of imagination.  They need to be entertained, and can spend endless hours on a computer, squinting at an i-phone, or watching videos.  And we all can be guilty of it, but the creativity of their imaginations has been stifled, as someone else does their thinking for them, they just watch, or change channels if they don’t like what is on.  As a kid growing up, it was a big deal in our subdivision when a friend’s parents got new appliances.  We didn’t really care about the new stove or refrigerator, we cared about the box they came in.  Some neighbors were only interested in leaving it in the yard to impress their other neighbors, but the cool ones knew how much we loved those boxes.  Within seconds of the new appliance arriving, and before it was even out of the box, we had visions of space ships, race cars, forts, submarines, and anything else our imaginations could come up with.  And over time we learned that each type of box held its own potential.  A tall refrigerator box might be a fort, and you could barely see over the top at who was shooting at you.  On its side it could be a cave, and who knew what lied in its dark recesses.  One creative kid, laid it on its side, and cut holes in it, pretending to ride it like a train car, just  like his dad did going to work.  But one of my favorites was the long, not very deep box that TV entertainment centers came in, you know the modern at the time TV with stereo and radio enclosed in a piece of furniture, that seemed like it was 10’ long.  To me it was a race car, and many races were won from the side benefit of a neighbor getting a new TV for us race in.  Leaning in the corners, making sounds like a big Hemi, or  small block Chevy, these boxes were a primer for life in the real world, but looking back maybe they were the real world, and all else was fantasy.

Some days we would paint them, or write funny things on them.  Some would be cut down to size, and many smaller boxes used.  Being stiff cardboard, they made great castle when throwing rocks against them, and later cutting off pieces for shields like Roman soldiers.  Your imagination was your only boundary, and as long as the box could hold together, you got to think within the box.  Today it is popular to think outside of the box, to not be constrained by anything or anyone, but was inside the box that the greatest thinking went on, preparing us to think outside of it when we got older.  Maybe our parents were cooler than we gave them credit for, or maybe smarter for the same reason, but whatever the reason, the outcome was using our imaginations to have a good time.  To explore, to think, just the opposite of old Quick Draw McGraw, who used to tell us “I’ll do the thinkin’ around here, and don’t you forget it.”  But it was in our thinking inside the box that prepared us for greatness later.  To be tested, through playing and investigating, an education not available at even the finest colleges.  We had to think for ourselves, and entertain ourselves, and despite Quick Draw’s warning, we did the thinkin’ back then, and don’t you forget it.

Being a Christian can present a new set of problems.  Just the opposite of us thinking inside the box, so many times we get into trouble when we think outside of the box.  The box that is formed within many churches.  Now no church or fellowship was ever formed not thinking it could do a better job than the current one, but many times base the new on the old.  Not necessarily bad, but without a vision, the same kind we had as kids, it is just another big box that was thrown away.  Its contents gone, and no longer usable.  So we are encouraged to stay within the church and its boundaries, and many time told we are better off doing it their way.  Don’t make waves, go along with the pastor and his board, or is it boring.  Instead a life in Christ should be challenging, exciting, and with a vision.  What plan does Jesus have for me?  And how will I know it when I see it?  Sometimes it goes beyond imagination, as God sees the whole picture, both inside and outside the boxes we live in.  And that is when life is exciting, we see more of Jesus, and guided by his spirit see more blessings and miracles.  Jesus once answered a question, telling his audience that he can do nothing of himself.  He could only do what his father in heaven showed him to do.  Maybe the original thinker inside the box, he operated outside the box his whole ministry, defying traditions and religious ways, and being everything his father wanted him to be.  Unto death and resurrection, Jesus operated outside the boundaries of church and religion, he walked in the spirit.  And his life was anything but boring.

Anytime Jesus showed up, things happened.  While the Pharisees shunned him for healing a lame man on the Sabbath, he showed him love.  He had a personal talk with a woman who had 5 husbands and living with another.  One time he commanded demons to leave, another spit in a blind man’s eye and gave him sight.  All things done in love, guided by his father.  A true rebel among rebels, he showed love and understanding when rules and legalism were portrayed by others.  And he encourages us the same way today.

Walking in the spirit is like thinking outside the box.  No walls or rules to hinder, and if God says it, it will be done.  Many times we just have to show up and obey, the hardest thing to do, for it involves trust, and sometimes ideas outside the realms of our imagination.  What  we fail to see sometimes was Jesus and his interaction with everyday people, we like the big miracles, but daily we can be part of many intimate moments with Christ.  last night he showed me one, simple to some, but important to the two of us.  A man I teach asked me to bless his Bible.  Now I cannot do that under legalism, theology will dictate otherwise.  So I wrote him a personal note inside, to remind him how much he is loved by God and me.  To encourage him when he looks at it, to point him back when his feet slip.  Outside the box of many, we were both blessed, him by asking and me by receiving, then by receiving.  The spirit directed me to show love, I thanked him for being my friend, a friend of Jesus.  Outside of the restraining walls of religion, the spirit guided me in love.  A small thing but a big thing at the same time.

Maybe we need to spend some time in an old box, thinking and dreaming.  Having fun, taking a break from life.  A time to let God be God, to listen to him, to be encouraged by him.  The ultimate prayer closet.  To see him outside the box of religion, and receive blessings.  Or to be a blessing.  Four walls do not make a church, we are the church.  A tabernacle where God has written his words on our hearts.  So we always have him with us.  Maybe next time you are subpoened to answer “are you in the word?” you can answer “the word is in me.  Is it in you?” 

Jesus could do nothing outside of himself.  And we cannot do anything without him, the way to the father.  A truth we need to act on, not just believe.  Without him we can achieve nothing, we him our lives can be as exciting as playing in a box.  Today you can become the man God wants you to be by just asking Jesus and listening, the most important part of prayer.  Then obeying, and even the simplest of things will be important.  Get out and live with Christ!

So many boxes and yet so little time.  A better reason to seek Jesus now.  Time is a wasting, and there are blessings to be had.  Our words and actins have little power unless done in the spirit of the Lord.  Take the freedom we once found in the box as kids and take it outside the box where the action is.  Where Jesus spent most of his time, out among the people, the lost who needed him.  You can join him in living a life for the father by getting out of the box and into the spirit.  Where only you are limited by your imagination.  We were born in a box, and will be buried in a box.  Don’t you think it is time for a break?  Escape and find life.  Let Jesus do the thinkin’ around here, and don’t you forget him!

love with compassion,

Mike

matthew25biker.blogspot.com

 

why don't you listen to what the man said...

Stopping and asking for directions is not an uncommon thing for us when traveling.  What is common is the amount of people who cannot give them.  When we frequent motorcycle shops, we ask for good riding roads, and often come up blank.  Stop at any convenience store, and ask directions, the blank look translates the same in any language.  So many who have lived in one place for their entire lives don’t know a way out, or even where they are.  Now I must admit I am getting worse, I forget names of roads, but I can get around the country, just not Escondido without incident.  I gave up trying to remember all the names, but I can remember the houses, cars, and sometimes even the people that made the memory and serve for my future directions.  It has become acceptable to not know where you are, or are going, GPS will take over that responsibility, you just obey.  And hope you get there, wherever there is.

But what I find even more aggravating is those who do know, and must give you even infinite detail of the route.  “Go 1.5 miles to Main Street, a DQ on the left, used to be a Big Boy.  Follow the street for 5 stoplights, not counting the flashing one for pedestrians.  Jim’s Music is on the right.  As you approach the light, watch your speed, Officer Muldoon just waits with his radar gun, and loves out of towners.  At the fifth light, remember not to count the pedestrian crossing, stay in the left lane, then quick right.  If you have passed the bowling alley, you went too far.  Turn around and......”  Been there done that, thanks, but I can get lost on my own. 

And then there are the helpful, “follow me, I’m going that way.”  And as they speed off, and you try to catch up, you actually pass the destination you were looking for, as the Good Sam continues off into the sunset.  Or next lost traveler.  So giving directions can be harder than asking for them.  I usually try to remember the highlights, at least for the first few turns.  Then stop and repeat process.  “Let’s see, right on Orchard, left on Maple, left on 8th.”  I can remember the street names, but add landmarks, distances, and other useful information, and I get lost.  Without the benefit of GPS, so I only have myself to blame.  At least as long as I have gas I am never lost.  And many a good diner, good road, or new area have been found despite the best efforts of those trying to help.  Maybe if I had just listened to what the man said I wouldn’t have gotten lost.  But I thought I had....

Now imagine you were lost for 38 years, or in the case of the lame man couldn’t walk for 38 years.  You heard of this man who does miracles named Jesus, but you are doubtful and hopeful all at the same time, you want to walk.  Here we find Jesus not commanding him to walk, but to just stand.  If he cannot stand, how will he be able to walk?  So it takes action to make faith work.  For faith to work, he had to do as Jesus instructed.  Then he tells him to pick up his mat and walk.  Standing must have been a hard enough concept, but carry that which I have laid on for 38 years?  Pick it up and walk?  Imagine the thoughts in his head, I stood, but that made me tired.  Where are my friends to carry me?  But Jesus’ instructions were simple, stand, pick up your mat, and walk.  Instantly how strength and balance were his instantly.  No learning to walk, no training steps or walker, not even a cane-WALK!  And he did! 

And take your mat with you, and dump it.  You will not need it any more.  No crutches, no exercises, get on with your  life.  But yet we have a desire to look back, to want help lest we should stumble and fall.  We have to cut ourselves off from the past, and go on in Christ.  Maybe lots of baby steps, but walking with him.  An expression of the change that Jesus makes in your life, for all to see.  He couldn’t walk, look at him running now.  He was a bum, look at his new job and career.  He was a druggy, look at him now that he is clean. And in every event with Jesus, people will see the difference in us.  Miracles that have happened, and how he changed us. 

Yet sometimes we still want to be carried, to rest after our experience, and get some glory.  A simple doubt of “how can I make it now?” should remind us that if he can save us, heal us, give us sight, or make us walk, he can continue after to guide us.  He never leaves us to go on our own.  Lest we get bad directions form well meaning people.  We need to still trust God....and let all others be liars.  We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, not on the crowd, the church, or even family or friends.  What Jesus has done is extremely personal, yet a testimony to be shared.  It is important that we share how Jesus has changed our lives.  Today I am a miracle, and have the scar from open heart surgery, and the files to prove it.  I don’t look back, I look ahead.  If he who changed my heart can heal my body too, why look anywhere else?  So why do we?

It is like asking directions, except the directions Jesus gives are easy.  We just have to follow them.  Notice he spoke but a few words, and the man obeyed.  It is possible you may have heard those few words, but didn’t act.  You wanted more, or different, and didn’t trust God.   You may be at the same spot for 38 years like the lame man, waiting and wanting.  And then Jesus comes along, and you start to obey, in trust.  And the message of hope changes to one of a miracle.  And you wonder, why I hadn’t listened to what the man said years ago?  Sound familiar, God has amazing things for you today.  He is speaking, are you listening?  Are you obeying?  Do you want to?  Well, do you want out of your situation?  Do you?

Jesus is the way, simple enough.  He who can heal and guide you, is the only one who can save your soul from destruction.  And yet many who are saved, that takes faith, don’t trust him with the other areas of their life.  I cannot tell you about the spiritual aspect of the lame man, all I can say is he was lame and now walks.  All because of Jesus.  Only Jesus.  Now isn’t he enough for you? 

And the happy ending is he picked up his mat and walked away.  Stand with Jesus, pick up your cross, and follow him today.  I can only imagine the first time he asked someone for directions to places he had never gone before, because he couldn’t.  “Say aren’t you the lame guy I grew up with 38 years ago?”  All because he listened to what the man said.

love with compassion,

Mike

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