Eric the Biker, and the Kingdom of God

By Don Cicchetti 9 04 18

(This article is the first in a series of what we can each do to actually bring about a counter-culture to the clown-car that is the world’s culture. Let’s stop complaining about the culture and do something about it.  Each of us can be an alternative to this wicked world, in our homes, our churches, and our schools.  When we do, we can welcome others to that place too.)

“The Kingdom of God is the effective reach of the will of God. It is where what God wants done, is done”

- Dallas Willard

I was in a foul mood. In church no less. There were good reasons for it, I thought, but I knew I was wrong to be in that state of mind and spirit while I prepared to play my guitar in the worship band that Sunday morning.  I knew that there would be people in the congregation that day who desperately needed to hear the word of God and to find their way back to Him.

So, I prayed. Lord, I’m so unhappy!  I’m so angry and so very unhappy this morning. Can you help me?  Can you show me how to get my soul where it belongs so I can serve your people?

Well, I get a very clear answer back, and immediately. “If you want to be happy, then follow me and help someone else; show kindness to someone who needs it.”

Who?

“Him”, and then I noticed Eric the Biker (not his real name) in his leathers, back in the next to the last row as he usually was, before church listening to the band do soundcheck. He came almost every week and sat there by himself and listened to us tune, practice parts, and complain about the monitor speakers.  For whatever reason, Eric seemed to enjoy watching this process.  Again, in my mind, I heard the words “why have you never spoken to him?” Well, because I don’t want to. (at least I was honest, huh?) “well, you’re not going to be at peace until you go speak to that man”.

So I did.  

Hi, I’m Don, I said extending my hand.  “Hi, I’m Eric!” (big grin)  Great to meet you Eric.  I’ve noticed that you like to come early to church and listen to band soundcheck, so I decided I would say hello.  “Well, I’m glad you did”.  Is that your bike out there in the parking lot?  Yes. Well, it’s a beauty, and I’m sure glad you’re here.  I’ve got to go tune my guitar now, but it sure was nice to meet you. “Nice to meet you too.” And every time I would look at him during the music he had a big grin on his face.  And I, having obeyed God, was more at peace than I had been in months. It was a great day.  From that Sunday on, I said hello to Eric every time I saw him and I so regretted my selfish and unchristian attitude of the previous months when I could not have been bothered to talk to strangers.

A couple of months later, my wife and I are walking into church, and there’s Eric in the parking lot and his motorcycle won’t start.  They’re trying to jump start it from a car, but the bike is barely turning over. I heard immediately “go fix those cables, they have a bad contact at the battery”. So I said hello to everyone, and asked if I could try something. Of course, they said, but I didn’t sense any great confidence in their voices. I went over to the car battery where the cables are attached, and grabbing the black clamp, I pulled the handles apart to increase pressure on the battery terminal and then moved the clamp back and forth on the battery to renew the contact. Then the same with the red terminal,  Try it now.  VROOMM went the Harley, starting instantly, as I knew it would since I knew Who had told me to do that.  Eric shakes my hand, hard, and thanks me profusely.  I said “oh no problem, happy to help”.

And as we walked away, I turned to my wife and said: “Someday, I want to be the man he thinks I am”. And I still do. Because it wasn’t me, it was Jesus, showing His love to Eric and in doing so, discipling this very-imperfect man into doing the work of Jesus on that sunny morning.  Eric looked at me like I walked on water. I can assure you that I don’t. My Boss does though.

The kingdom of God. It’s the effective reach of the will of God.  

We can all do this; we just have to make ourselves available. Ask Him, directly. Say, “who in this place needs you this morning, who do you want me to speak to, who can I help?” and you too can be part of a real live miracle. It happens every day.