Would Jesus Ride in a Limo?

Once I heard a story about a pastor’s son who just got his driver’s permit and asked his father about using the family car. His father answered, “Son, I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible more, and get your hair cut. Then we will talk about it.” 

Two months later the boy approached his father again about driving the family car. His father said, “Son, I’m proud of you. You have brought your grades up and studied your Bible diligently, but why haven’t you gotten a haircut?”

The young man replied, “Samson had long hair. Even Jesus had long hair.” 

His father said, “Yes, son…and they walked everywhere they went.”

Technically, the pastor’s claim isn’t 100% accurate. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. People have used that as an excuse to criticize modern-day preachers who drive expensive cars and fly in private jets. If Jesus riding a donkey is supposed to be a sign of humility, then how come these critics don’t practice what they preach? Why don’t they sell their cars and get a donkey to show us how humble they are?

One well-known minister (whose teachings I often agree with) posted on his Facebook page the above picture of a circuit preacher from 1867. He added the caption: “In the days before famous preachers were picked up at airports in stretch limos, this is how ministers got around.” Airplanes and limousines didn’t exist then.

As a missionary I have traveled from place to place through a variety of means: car, bus, boat, train, and plane. Many times I’ve had to walk or ride a bicycle to go shorter distances. One time the Lord led me to hitchhike from one city in Virginia to another. Four separate drivers offered rides without me sticking out my thumb. 

Then there was the time I took a bus to London, Ontario to house sit for a Canadian friend. Upon my arrival at the London bus station, I called my friend who offered and arranged to have a chauffeur pick me up in a luxurious vehicle as a way to bless and honor me. 

Most people don’t have a problem with celebrities and political leaders being treated as VIPs. So why not spiritual leaders? Jesus didn’t object to having expensive perfume poured over Him as an offering. I believe He would respond the same way if offered a limousine ride today. Still, there are individuals who claim, “That’s wasting resources that could be given to the poor.” These critics are echoing Judas Iscariot in John 12:5. Their concern for the poor is really a cover for covetousness.

God’s people shouldn’t get angry or jealous of brethren who have been faithful to Him and are enjoying some of the finer things in life. Revelation 1:6 says Jesus “...has made us kings and priests.” Christians sometimes refer to themselves as “King’s Kids.” Therefore, it’s not a sin for a preacher to be given royal treatment unless he demands it.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” - 1 Peter 5:6

Talk to the Animals

It’s amazing how heresy hunters will fault-find the silliest little things. A few months ago while John Crowder was speaking at a conference in England, a group stood outside protesting various things he has said and done. One thing they didn’t like was John encouraging people to talk to animals. The protesters apparently forgot about Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 22. In verse 30 of that chapter, the donkey talked back. Scandalous!

One could assume the animals in the Garden of Eden talked before the fall of man. After all, Eve conversed with the serpent in Genesis 3. Some people might also think of birds that talk today like parrots and mynas. But these creatures simply mimic words taught to them. 

There are animals in heaven. Some people believe they will see their deceased pets there. Of course, that is open to speculation. Nevertheless, the Book of Revelation mentions Jesus and His saints riding to earth on white horses and also describes beings that don't exist on earth like the ones that have eyes that see in every direction.  How would you like to have a pet like that? Perhaps this creature is God's guard dog.

God gave man dominion over all animals. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with people talking to them whether they are our own pets or in the wild. Of course, I would be shocked if one ever talked back to me. But I wouldn’t run away. I would listen in case God chose to use that animal to say something to me.

“Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal.  And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back.  The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle.” - Revelation 4:6-7