Well it is time to take a look into God’s Word and explore a little. One of the lessons we learn in God’s word is; when you come face to face with the living God you don’t leave the same way you came. We are restored, refreshed, forgiven and renewed. We have a chance to begin again! Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We know the ability to communicate goes a long way to ensuring victory. We also know the best way to communicate things is face to face. So what happens when we meet Jesus face to face? We are going to look at a few passages of Scripture that record some of these meetings. Some were carried to Jesus, some happened to meet him as they went about their daily activities and some sought Jesus out.
I am reminded of fans who seek out their favorite drivers for autographs. What happens when they finally meet them face to face? Some swoon, some scream, some jump up and down with excitement. There is no telling how some will react.
I have had my opportunities to meet some folks that I admired from a distance. I remember meeting Richard Petty, a driver I watched since I was a young boy. He helped me become a racing fan. I have met Bobbie Allison, another driver from the era when my racing roots were being developed. Throw David Pearson into the mix and I have met some pretty big names in the history of racing.
I have “raced” with a pretty important name in racing also; Paul Newman. Well I am stretching it a bit but let me share with you how the story goes. I was in my ZX5 Focus and I pulled out to pass the satin blue Volvo wagon that was in the climbing lane. As I accelerated by I took a look over at the driver, some grandpa, glasses down on the tip of his nose, gray hair and wife sitting by his side. Wait a minute; I know that face, that’s Paul Newman. He was on his way to an event at his Hole in the Wall camp in Ashford, CT and I passed him.
Of all the times I have stood and talked with someone that I admired or someone famous, the most life changing encounter I have ever had was when I met Jesus and he forgave my sin. My childhood friend, Steve Bureau, introduced me to him over thirty years ago and my life has never been the same. Have you been introduced to Him? Today is the day, now is the time.
Luke 19 1-10; Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a `sinner.’ “But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
Think of how many race fans would climb a tree to see their favorite driver. I’ve seen fans stand outside in sub-freezing weather for hours for the opportunity. I’ve seen them stand in lines that wound through the hallways for the chance to get an autograph. I’ve seen and heard of some pretty outrageous behavior for only a glimpse. But I wonder, would they be as eager to see Jesus? Would they climb a tree to see Jesus?
There are a few things we need to learn from this passage. Jesus knows us and who we are. Did you notice how he addressed Zacchaeus while he was in the tree? Jesus knew his name. If Jesus knew his name he also knew the things he had done in his life. How do we know? Zacchaeus was immediately convicted when Jesus said that He was going to his house for lunch. Zacchaeus confessed his sin and made restitution to those he had taken advantage of.
Let me ask a question, how much house cleaning would we have to do if Jesus said he was coming to our house for lunch?
Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus and when he met him the burden of his past was removed. His life changed that day and he received salvation. He was lost in his life of accumulating money and taking advantage of people. After he came face to face with Jesus he realized none of it was worth the burden of living with the guilt. That day salvation came to him. Jesus came to seek and save what was lost.
Sometimes we don’t know how lost we are. We don’t think the burdens, caused by the choices we make, really matter until challenges come and our world comes crashing down. Meeting Jesus will change your life. If you would like to be introduced let us know we’re always wanting to help.
WHERE HAVE WE BEEN- I have been asked recently why we haven’t been to some of the events that we have been to in the past. I thought it might be good to share a little about why. As many of you know we are a non-profit ministry organization that relies on the support of folks like you to provide the resources we need to meet the needs of the racing community. The truth is we run this ministry from behind. We do not receive enough support to do everything. A decision was made by the Board of Directors that we need to make an effort not to incur more debt than we already have and to eliminate the debt we have. Somethings are easier said than done. To accomplish that we have had to cut back. Those are the most difficult decisions. While we have over 22 dedicated volunteer chaplains, who for the most part pay their own way there are expenses that go along with running an organization like this. We have made every effort to be as efficient as we can. We are making head way but it is a slow process. While it isn’t an insurmountable number it will take time. We will make every effort to be where we can with the resources we have, thanks for understanding.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
