Railroad Parables

You are at: CarrTracks > About John Carr

If Jesus were here on earth today, what stories would he tell in order to get His truth across?

The Special Train

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a railroad that ran a special train. Long before the train ran, word went out that this would be a once in a lifetime event. Some scoffed at the news. Others didn't care. But some rejoiced at the news and made plans to ride.

On the day the train was to run, many people gathered at the station early. They boarded the train and were very thankful that they could ride for free. Some arrived at the last minute and also boarded the train. Once underway each person was able to thank the man that had made the trip possible.

But others arrived too late. They had been left behind. They had missed a once in a lifetime trip. There was weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Railroad Tracks

The Word of God is like a railroad track. The rails guide and support the wheels. As long as the wheels stay on the rails, friction is reduced and the rails will guide the train to its destination.

Some have revolted and ventured off the track feeling that it was too restrictive. They have made a train wreck of their lives. Are you on track?

Prayer

Prayer is like communication with a railroad dispatchers office. A train had come to a stop at a siding and the engineer called up the dispatcher on the radio, "This is extra 7513 at Hunter siding. Frank, how long are we going to be stuck here?"

The dispatcher answered, "Earl, you'll be stuck there for about an hour. The first one should be showing up in 10 minutes and the second will be about 50 minutes behind him. I can't take you to the next siding because its blocked by some maintenance of way equipment."

The engineer was getting hungry and asked, "After the first guy goes by, can we cut off the power from the train and run up a half mile to town and get some food at the store?"

The dispatcher responded, "OK, call me as soon as the first train is by you and I'll give you a signal out of the siding. Make it snappy as the next train is a hot piggyback train and I don't want to delay him"

The engineer answered, "Thanks Frank, I'm sending my conductor back to tie down a few hand brakes, I'll give you a call when we are ready."

Meanwhile a railfan had discovered an unlocked phone box. He plugged in the line to the dispatchers office and asked. "Could you tell me if there are any trains near milepost 145?"

The dispatcher responded, "Who are you?"

The railfan replied, "I'm a railfan out trying to get some pictures. Can you tell me if there are any trains near milepost 145 please?"

The dispatcher responded more roughly, "WHO ARE YOU?!!"

The railfan was speechless. Dejected, he hung up the phone and went away.

Do you know Him?

Train Orders

The Word of God is like a a set of train orders. Some of the orders are very specific like a meet order. It specifies which train will go into what siding and what train it will meet. Other orders are not as specific, but just as important, like a wait order. It warns the inferior train of a superior train. It is up to the conductor of the inferior train to decide where to meet the other train. Like a good train crew member, you need to review your orders frequently.

A Parable on Investment

A man gathered investors together and built a railroad. Things went well the first few years. He was able to pay back most of the money to the investors. After several years, he entrusted the railroad to those operating it and he moved back east to be with the investors.

During the next year, he heard reports that the railroad was overcharging customers to transport their goods. He received reports from those running the railroad that repair expenses had eaten up all of the profits. He then sent one of his assistants to see what was going on and to collect the next installment owed to the investors. The railroaders beat him up and ran him off the property. He returned empty handed.

He continued to receive a variety of reports. Some said that the railroad was buying up other businesses to form a monopoly and was gouging prices. Other reports said that those running the railroad were cutting wages and running the railroad into the ground. But reports from those actually managing the railroad said that they were about to turn the corner and the railroad would soon be profitable again.

He sent another assistant to see what was going on and to collect the money owed to the investors. This one disappeared mysteriously.

Finally he sent his only son. The son slipped in almost unnoticed. He began by working with the farmers who were being hurt the most by the railroad's high rates. He spoke to them softly and told interesting truths like, "When you buy seed, get the very best. And give some to your neighbor. Remember pollen from his field blows into your own field."

The farmers recognized these truths and began to practice what he was preaching. He also helped them organize and share equipment to better utilize their machinery to cut operating expenses. After a couple years, they had the best crops in the country and there was great demand for their products.

He then began to organize the railroad workers that had had their pay cut. It wasn't long after this that those managing the railroad had him arrested and conducted a trial with many false witnesses. The outcome was a travesty of justice.

Now what will the owner of the railroad do when he returns?

The Railroad Yard

The Church of God is like a railroad yard and you are one of the cars. The purpose of the railroad yard is to assemble cars into groups and get them moving toward their destination. And so it is with the Church. You need to get connected with a small group, so God can help you get moving in the right direction.

The Ten Railroaders

The kingdom of heaven is like ten railroaders called for two trains. Five crew members hastily took the first train. The conductor of the second crew was thinking ahead and had each crew member take along extra food. They got on the second train and departed behind the first. Half way over their territory the first train was directed to take siding.

The second train stopped on the main track behind the first. After tieing down thier train, the second train crew joined the first at the lone telephone booth. The first train crew informed the second crew that they were stuck for a maintenance work going on up ahead.

After a very long time the first crew became hunger and asked the second crew if they had anything to eat. The conductor on the second train suggested that they walk into town and get something to eat. While they were gone, the members of the second crew took turns listening in on the dispatcher phone, waiting for the maintenance window to open. When the call came the second train was ready to go. They lined the train through the siding, ran around the first train, and passed through the maintenance area.

When the first train crew returned, they saw that the second train was gone and called the dispatcher.

He told them it was too late, the maintenance window was shut and no more trains would get through. They protested bitterly, but it was too late.

The Freight Train

The Kingdom of Heaven is like a freight train. Jesus is the locomotive and you are one of the cars. Without Jesus you won't go anywhere. Should give you a different image of following Jesus.

If you want to know more information about me, click on the right browse button at the bottom of the page.

Home

About Me