When I was first released from prison I had no money and no car and the only way that I had to get around and look for a job was a bus pass that was given to me by the Christian Sober-Living Discipleship Home where I was staying. I rode the bus through Austin and everyday I would encounter people and I would witness to them and tell them what Jesus had done in my life. This poem is about an experience I had with a man that I was able to share Jesus with and I know he was touched!
JESUS RIDES THE BUS
Sitting on a bus
No money in the bank
I am rich in Christ Jesus
No need for filling gas in a tank
I am full in the spirit
My heart always ready to speak
On fire for my Jesus
As we settle into our seats
My journey before me
Riding the city bus down the line
Singing for my savior
Lost souls I hope my sweet song finds
People are on the ready
My Lord continually calling them home
People are hurting
Through Jesus I can show them they are not alone
Making all the stops
The ringing of the bell
Praise Jesus
For saving my soul from hell
So many sad faces
Smiles that have come crumbling down
Waiting on my Lord to lead me
When we can turn this bus into sacred ground
Carrying my sword at the ready
Sharpened steel of fire slicing through the city streets
Passengers coming and going
My heart set on Jesus happily greets
Old man in the back
Long scraggily tobacco stained beard
The businessman lost in a newspaper
The woman keeping her young child near
Teenagers lost in their music
Headphones drowning out the engine’s winding noise
I am singing quietly my song to Jesus
The melody bouncing along happily with joy
Picking up weary travelers
This bus just another leg of our journey through this life
Some brokenhearted
Others weighed down by this fallen world’s strife
Sitting in the moment
Jesus moving on the cool still air
Suddenly my heart is set on fire
I notice a man cold blank stare
His body language speaks
Slumped in dejection in his metal wheeled chair
Eyes full of confusion
As though he wasn’t even there
I spoke to him a warm greeting
Then I told him Jesus is the cure
I shared with him my story
Maybe some crazy man he has met for sure
I speak to him gently the word
Unfailing and powerful each turn
Flying through stops on wings of hope
I believe his heart also began to burn
He reaches for the signal
Presses it with his slightly shaking hand
Our time together is nearing an end
The hour glass is running out of sand
We say our quick good-byes
I tell him to have a nice day
Now as the bus continues on its route
The man in the metal wheeled chair gives me a wave
He has definitely had an encounter with Christ
Through me Jesus showed him His love
This man now will ask himself the question
Who is this great savior from above
Back moving on my journey into forever
Sitting with Jesus reflecting His shine
Riding the bus with my savior
He always shares this bus pass of mine!
~ Ev. Michael Bowen