Guess Who Showed Up??

I have a little buddy up in Maryland named Ian. I've been writing to him and his parents for several months now. You see, he's 9 years old and suffering terribly after a mysterious growth formed on his brainstem. They went in and took it out, but apparently it's growing back now and he isn't doing very well at all... I went to school with Ian's Mom & Dad and we were very good friends.
They have now accumulated a HUGE amount in medical bills. Someone who cared organized a fundraiser. Each participant paid $20 to be involved. I'm happy to say my non-church-going brother rode in this charity drive. He told me all about it. Guess who showed up?? About 15 people from the local churches and hundreds of other people- yep- rough biker types in leather & chains. I'm NOT surprised. Don't let all that tough talk, leather & metal fool you, biker guys are really softies on the inside- especially when it comes to little kids. Do you know how much Beer $20 will buy? Yet they gladly spent that money on Ian because his family needs help. My brother said these hairy, pierced men & tattoed women stood in line in their leathers in the hot sun for hours just for a chance to meet Ian & say "hi" to his folks. My brother's voice cracked as he told me the story and I get choked up just thinking about it. They raised over $10,000 in one day! God bless them!!! My brother asked these guys how they found out about the ride and they said they saw posters in many of the local bars. Hmmm, someone was willing to go into forbidden territory to make an invitation. Good for them!! To visit Ian's web page & see some pictures of the ride visit the link below. Keep this little guy in your prayers:

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=ianrogers

I often wonder, what would Jesus be like if He showed up today? Would we recognize Him any better now than they did way back in history? Would He be all sqeaky clean in a 3 piece suit throwing around big theology and courting the wealthy? Doubt it. Bet He wouldn't be very popular in the church if He came today. He would probably go to some church services, but during the week He'd most likely be found hanging with the whinos, whores and druggies. He wouldn't be out handing them religious pamphlets either. He'd be handing out Filet 'o Fish sandwiches & bottled water to the homeless. He would sit there compassionately listening to their stories. I can picture Him watching over a Heroine addict lying in a daze on a back street. Maybe He would stop and usher stray dogs off the road. Perhaps as you pass the hospital room of an Aids victim, you might catch a glimpse of The Christ sitting on the edge of the bed speaking tender words of forgiveness to the dying. I imagine Jesus would offer His coat to the drunk who sits on the corner in the rain. If Jesus were here today, though I am poor, I know He would come to my house and have dinner with me. He would let me bathe His feet with my tears. You see, He loves "losers" the most. The ones who have been abused, cast out and walked all over. He loves the people who seem to have it together, but the ones who feel hopeless are the ones He runs to the most. (That's what that word downtrodden means in the Bible) Even though He would have the ability to work miracles, He wouldn't benefit Himself or promote a political agenda. He would simply be a nice guy who smiles at people, winks at children and embraces the hurting. The reckless, healing love of Christ sees past a rough exterior to the core of who we are. Maybe if He were here today he would ride a Harley...