Harley Davidson and Jeremiah

I owned a Harley Davidson motorcycle and attended the local motorcycle rodeo two years in a row. I was definitely breaking some unplowed ground. I was welcomed warmly, and a topless woman sat next to me, accompanied by her man, of course. They showed me around all the hottest spots and showed me where the coldest beer was sold. After the cordial welcome, I was tutored that those qualities of warmth, cordiality, and friendliness were best kept in the back pocket. We all know the rough and tumble ways of the bikers, so I started to wonder what type of person am I expected to be? I will never be Hells Angels material. It occurred to me that the ground-breaking that I was experiencing was producing a lot of thorns. Something like “every Rose has its thorns” or “guns and roses” type of thing. I should have listened more carefully to Jeremiah when he said, “Break up your unplowed ground and DO NOT sow among thorns.” Jeremiah 4:3a

The city hosting the event decided to ban the motorcycle rodeo from ever returning to the city. Something to do with their city being polluted by public nudity, public sex, public intoxication, violence, drugs, and weapons. I had already separated myself from that lifestyle a year or two before. I sold my Harley and bought a Ford Ranger. My heart was craving more of a mainstream family and a lifestyle that was a bit more accepted throughout the community. I always tilt towards the Gospel because it is easy for me to understand. I understand “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms119:105 I did listen to Jeremiah when he said, “Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts” Jeremiah 4:3b

I can think of all the different ways that my bad and errant choices could have snuffed out my life like a piece of straw in a bon fire. Instead, here I sit at home listening to Gospel music, reading scripture, and sharing the best thoughts that I have. Well, I’m a James Bond fan too; I own every movie made and watch one every day. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. —it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

“Break up your unplowed ground
    and do not sow among thorns.
Circumcise yourselves to the Lord,
    circumcise your hearts,
    you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem,
or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire
    because of the evil you have done—
    burn with no one to quench it.”
Jeremiah 4:3-4