Horses and motorbikes have one thing in common – neither come with instructions.
So, for the uninitiated, let me offer some free tuition. When you break it down its really quite simple, just two things to remember:
- Get on.
- Hold on.
And it isn’t a good idea when halfway across a field or in the middle of a tight corner to decide you want to try and get off. You’ve got to stay with it. You need to hold on.
Like being a Christian.
You can read about it, talk about it, think about it, dream about it, but sometime soon you need to make a decision. Jesus invited some fishermen to ‘follow’ Him. There it was, decision time, time to leave the nets behind and saddle up!
Baptism is a formal picture of this new start with Jesus, the water symbolising the cleansing of our guilt and the renewing, refreshing life of His Spirit as He takes up residence with us. But the essential part we must play is this decision to ‘get on’ by humbly putting our trust in Jesus as divine Rescuer and Master.
At some points on the ride things may get a little bumpy. A certain amount of stamina is necessary and we must develop new skills. After a while all Christians get challenged and discouraged and may want to give up.
Hold on!
Don’t let go of Jesus. He’ll guide and help us, and some of the best stuff is still ahead!
In a poignant episode in John 6, a lot of people turn back from following Him and Jesus asks the twelve disciples if they want to go too. Peter must have drooped when their supporters melted away but he shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘To Whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’ (John 6v68-69)
He held on!
It doesn’t really matter if you ride a horse or a motorbike (or a surfboard!) They’re cool but not essential.
It matters for this life and eternity whether or not you follow the Son of God.
Get on. Hold on.
Its as simple, and as challenging as that.