I WRECKED MY BICYCLE – Drifting Away, Getting Hurt, and Feeling Pain. Following Jesus From the Edges.

Following Jesus From the Edges

The Big Bicycle Wreck

Pastor Calvin Cook

May 18, 2026

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

I WRECKED MY BICYCLE, I had to get stitches in my head, my collar bone broken badly, and I will be limited in activities for 6-8 weeks. I am just thankful to be alive, I could have died. I hope I learned my lesson.

Though the incident happened 50 plus years ago, for some reason this morning, it was a reminder like it happened yesterday.

I was in the third grade, had a beautiful orange bike, with the banana seat, sissy bar, high riding handle bars and a lot of class and shine. I am sure it was the envy of every nine year old boy. It was a gift from my Dad when I learned to ride a bike without training wheels.

At first I was only permitted to ride in the yard, in the driveway and a round the house. Those were the days. But there came a time when I wanted more. To get out on the open road, wind in my hear, pavement beneath my feet. The wheels of the bike spinning so fast it looked like I would soon be able to fly.

I begged, I pleaded, “please let me ride it on the road”. “ Please let me go to the neighbors”. “Please I will be careful.” In a moment of weakness, Mom said “Yes”. Of course with many instructions and stipulations. My response, “I know”.

Unfortunately, I didn’t know, I was not experienced enough to handle the hill on the way back. I wrecked. Resulting in the injuries I mentioned earlier and a shoulder to this day that has taken the brunt of a few dumb decisions and reminds me often. It has become the thorn in my side and reminds me often and as I get older, reminds me more often that I need to be reminded.

Here is where the option comes in this morning. Through scripture, through instruction and teaching, through the presence of Jesus in our life, through the speaking – council – and guidance of the Holy Spirit we have be given instruction, guidance, and deliverance from the things that will destroy us. What Hebrews says in chapter 2 verse 1 is that when we do not pay careful attention to the instruction we have received we will drift away.

The wreck on the bicycle is a part of the minor story in all of our lives, we all have a bicycle wreck stories. But what caused it. Some by freak accident but mostly we mess up and wreck when we do not follow what we have been taught.

We drift away! Sadly, some never return. Sadly, some think that a little that will get us through is enough. Unfortunately, for some the eternal consequences will not be good.

So, before you venture out into the world, be prayed up, be filled up with God’s word, put on your armor (Ephesians 6:10-19) and trust in Jesus with all your heart, mind, and soul and love God in the same way. This cannot be an option !