Ever hear anyone say he’s “hell on wheels”? For most who live to ride, that sense o’ pure, 100% reckless abandonment is what it’s about. Bikin’ involves risk (why, even the rocket guys are called “squids” ‘cause that’s the sound they make hittin’ a tree at a buck-fifty!). Man, bikers’ death rates are seven times higher than cages – it’s like death’s stalkin’ wid’ every twist of the throttle!
So, wha’cha think happens after the Grim Reaper puts his boney fingers ‘round your neck? Some say that they don’t know or even care about it while others crow, “I’m hell-bound an’ proud of it!” A few go to their graves flippin’ off the world as a final shot (“Let’s party-hearty all the way to hell, an’ then we’ll party-hearty there, too!”); several get “religion” along the way–you know, doin’ all those good things like charity rides and such – hopin’ that’s gonna take care of things with “the Man upstairs”; an’ too many try to hang on to that which ain’t gonna last (some guys even wantin’ to be buried on their rides with hands sewn to the grips. Gimme a break!).
C’mon, dude, why spend a lifetime tryin’ to be cool – boozin’, gettin’ high, an’ tradin’ ol’ ladies like used cars – only to be had in the end?!?!?! None of these work anyway. It’s cheatin’ time for the devil; an’ as the dirt thumps loudly against the coffin’s lid, all that’s left is a beer-splattered tombstone with a name, some dates, an’ a few words. Then comes another worry, an’ that’s “hell after wheels!”
But, is there anythin’ better? Yeah, there is! God’s gotta great ride from the “womb to the tomb!”
You made me inside an’ out in my momma’s belly—skin and bones an’ all my body parts. . .You formed me in the finest detail when I was made in secret; why, it was as if You embroidered me in all kinds of different COLORS. . . (Psalm 139:13, 15)
Did you catch what it said—God calls us His COLORS! We all know what our own cuts are about – what they represent and how we’ll defend ‘em to the end. Hey, man, life’s more than “hell on wheels,” an’ that’s ‘cause there’s more to livin’ than gettin’ smashed or stoned or havin’ some woman. We’re God’s special creation—His COLORS! Dare I say it? You’re precious to God; you have worth.
So, what about this “hell after wheels?” Well, there’re a few undeniable facts – we’re alive now, we’ll all die one day, an’ after we die, we’ll spend a long time somewhere. Somewhere? Yeah. Long time? You bet. Today or tomorrow, we’ll be meat for the worms an’ end up either in heaven or hell forever!!! And hell ain’t a good place; Jesus said it was a “furnace of fire” where there’ll be “weepin’ an’ gnashin’ of teeth.” Kinda like the biggest and baddest oven ever – all pain, no gain!
But men don’t have to go to hell. God cared enough for His COLORS to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross so they could go to heaven. Why’d He have to die? ‘Cause those same COLORS had flipped off God! Thus, someone had to make things right – the piper has to be paid, and it’s either Jesus puttin’ down the cash or us! That’s quite a price He paid for God’s COLORS. But, remember, you’re worth a lot – like the Bible says, God “embroidered you in many colors!” Accept His gift – trust in Jesus Christ with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength an’ turn away from your sins – an’ then live your life respectin’ the One who made you His COLORS.
One day, God’s COLORS will be on display – a parade o’ bikers an’ ol’ ladies cruisin’ along all shiny and new! Hey, you may be “hell on wheels” now but don’t miss out on “heaven after wheels” later. With all due love, loyalty, and respect,
2R
Copyright @ 2004 CrossWind Ministry
