Many years ago, a friend of mine owned and played in a band. I was married with children and in my early twenties at the time. We called, Al, to see where he was playing that weekend so that we could come and listen – we needed a grown up night out.
“I don’t think you want to come to this Gig,” he responded, with a little unease, “ we are playing in a Dive this weekend.”
Al typically played in nice clubs around the area, but the schedule fell a little short and he accepted anything just to fill up the bus with gas, and continue to the next Gig.
So, being very young, we gathered a couple of carloads of young married couples and those still in college, and went to the Dive
Now, Al was not kidding when he warned us that this was a Dive. We drove, out to the Middle-of-Nowhere, to a wooden structure, that had dirt floors, and chicken wire to protect the band from any flying objects (like beer bottles). There was a hand written board with the name of the place on it, and motorcycles out front. Not the motorcycles that the retired Doctors, and Lawyers ride around on. I’m talking real Bikers! People who looked like they had not seen the light of day for years…if ever! I kid you not!
And, we were intrigued with a world we had heard of, but never seen with our own eyes. Did I mention that we were young (and obviously stupid!)? We found some seats, which were old cable spools and sat down. A few of the guys found a pool table, cued up the sticks and played a little pool.
The waitress, dressed only in an oversized tee shirt with a belt took our orders. After a while the big burly bikers came and begin to ask us who we were and why we had come to this “establishment.” Honestly, I had a flashback to the movie Animal House, and thought they were going to ask to dance with us!
When it was over, all of the guys helped the band with their breakdown and we headed home together (looking in the rearview mirror to see if we were followed).
Driving down the dark back roads, trying to navigate an unfamiliar route back to the civilization, that I was cherishing more than ever, I had time to think.
Christ took the Gig, in a Dive for thirty-three years. He left the good life to come where dirt covers the people, and chairs; and, where we try to protect ourselves with chicken wire, full of holes, from beer bottles flying through the air.
And He dwelt among us. He ate the food in our darkness served by those wearing oversized, filthy tee shirts, and brought light into our darkness.
Christ came, in garments made of clay, not so that He could understand us. He “gets” us, because He made us. He came so that we could “get” him and know the one who loves us. He came because we had forgotten that we were with Him before the foundation of the earth. And, we had forgotten our way home. He came to be the light on the road and with signs handwritten in blood that said, “go this way”.
Father In Heaven, Keep us humble today. Help us to remember that the light we walk in is not of our own making, but it is the light that you have provided for us. Thank you for Christ, the light of the world.
How can we respond to those who live in darkness – Those we see in the grocery store or gas station today?
Latest posts by Diane W. Bailey (see all)
- What God Can Do with A Shattered Heart - September 5, 2022
- When It Is Time to Bring Your Ship Ashore - January 2, 2018
- Art Of Hospitality – How to Love Others As Ourselves - November 27, 2017
Umm.. LOVE THIS, Di! And this statement: “Christ took the Gig, in a Dive for thirty-three years.” So TRUE! And we should be willing to reach out and serve our fellow “dive-ers” because none of us is above the other.
Great post!
Beautifully said, Susan!
Dear Dianne
We can show all people who live in darkness the Light of the World, our Lord Jesus, by allowing Him to love them through us by filling our hearts with His love for them. When we start thinking that we are better than them, we tread on dangerous ground.
Blessings XX
Mia
Mia, isn’t that the whole truth! Well said, sister, well said!
Oh, yes. So beautiful. Points straight to Christ. I’m so grateful that He took the Gig for me.
Donna, you and me both! Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Hope you’ll come again and share.
Oh Di- wonderfully well put ~!
Now look at you a writing machine 🙂 AMazed by you 🙂 Have a wonderful day my beautiful friend!
Girl, you make me smile! Miss you Vanessa, I hope all is well with you and your family.
Oh boy, I need this reminder again & again! It is so easy to see those who walk in darkness as the “enemy” & to avoid them. I can’t believe my heart gets so hard! Just repenting of this & asking the Lord for the compassion that He has for sinners…all of us! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
Cynthia, I have to repent on the same subjects frequently. You are not alone, girl! So glad to have you here, and for your voice!
wow friend. for all of my years of hearing the gospel I’ve never heard it so well. Jesus took the gig in a Dive for us. i’m sharing this. thank you.
Em, my beautiful friend! You honor me so greatly. Love you, Girl!