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A Desert, A White Car, A Man, and Heaven

• Aulonacara's Musings // Stories, Allegories, Poems...
• Auratus // May 22, 2009

A Desert, A White Car, A Man, and Heaven – 6 Jan 07

(May 2007) I wrote this after hearing very inspiring sermon by pastor Eric at First Baptist of Norfolk. I had attended for the first time in nearly a decade (except for the Christmas holidays of the previous 2 years). I was filled with the Holy Spirit as in the previous year about this same time. The reason was due to my return to Jesus in obedience and Christian fellowship of the church; regular attendance that began in January.

(Jan 2007) You wake-up one morning to what seems to be comfortable bed with your spouse by your side; shortly, you have eaten breakfast and are off to work. With little things, at first, your day begins to go down-hill with assorted problems which are topped by a call from the police. They tell you that your spouse has been murdered; and.... the police wish to question you about it. A bad day? Remember Jesus and what was done to Him? Now THAT was a bad day, plainly speaking. Yet, some think they are in control of their lives; their actions often confirm such.

Evening arrives. You are in deep sorrow and pain over your loss. You wonder about the future, and hope for a drink of something less adverse or which might comfort you from your troubles. You leave for the local bar and get drunk.

The following morning, you wake-up to man looking down upon you who says “Follow me.” You are not sure about this fellow, but decide to go with him. He leads you to a weird white car, then he tells you that a great distance away in the mountains is a plush mansion with many rooms, food, friends, and family. “How can this be,” you ask? He says: “Trusting me is the only stipulation to my helping you; and, of course, you should remain in this special car during the trip. Detours and stops for reasons of doubt or pleasure are not a good idea. You should use the auto-drive feature in order to keep the car on the narrow road. You should never leave the car. No rest stops are needed, as this car is your place of rest. Do not fear dangerous creatures around you, but offer aid to those asking for it... and mention me often. I will help them as I am with you.” You decide to agree. You enter the car.

As you look out of the car windows, everything suddenly looks different! You see hot desert all around and strange creatures in the valleys distant from the road. The man, now in the other seat, says “It is time to leave sorrow, pain, and suffering behind that desert mirages can cause. You will never be deceived again and sin will not be apart of your nature while you daily follow my directions, trusting me during this road trip.” You wonder at his words... knowing this, the man then says: “Today you have been born for the first time and you will be borne to a better place because you have trusted in my kindness and grace. This is what love is all about. I love you. Today you have been created. Understand that I am the auto-drive feature of this car. This car is as a new nature for you to wear as a wonderful white robe; but, alas, you may turn off auto-drive and drive the car where ever you wish for a short time. If the car gets too dirty, it will need to be serviced, so I say it is best to use auto-drive always! Be perfect, for today you are a new life which is truly beginning to live. The old has passed away.”

The man suddenly breaks into your thoughts: “Why are you just sitting there? Come, start the engine, and let us be on our way together. I will aways be with you to guide you and advise you of things along the narrow road of time and proper perspective. Should I seem absent, you can find the car operation instructions and service manual in the glove box; a Bible: it is Me in another form. Your friends and family await your arrival.”

Songs, in order, which inspired this little piece (available at I-Tunes):

Hazard by Rich Marx	about tragedy in the world, the “Fallen State,” that isn't paradise.
I Have Decided by Amy Grant	about decisions, commitments, & beginnings.
Hand Of Providence by Michael W. Smith	about the “Walk” in faith with Jesus Christ and his reliability.
The Throne by Michael W Smith	about victory at the end.

Bible Verses that may apply (in order to the story):

Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

James 4:1 - What causes wars, and what causes fightings among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members?

Romans 12:19 - ...never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.

2 Peter 1:4 - ...you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion...

1 John 2:16 - For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

Romans 3:23 - ...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 8:5 - For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.

Romans 8:8 - and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 5:4 - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.

Matthew 10:37 - He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;

John 14:2 - In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Luke 9:23 - And he said to all, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.

Romans 10:9 - because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God

2 Corinthians 5:7 - for we walk by faith, not by sight.

1 Corinthians 6:19 - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God? You are not your own...

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

2 Corinthians 13:5 - ...Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you? ...

John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Ephesians 4:22 to 24 - Put off your old nature which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.

Matthew 5:48 - You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Matthew 10:42 - And whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.

1 Timothy 6:12 - Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

1 Corinthians 13:12 - For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.