"Chase"

Roping wild old remnants,

That nobody could drive,

You don’t wait on such cattle,

They keep themselves alive.

If they hear or smell you comin’,

They find a place to hide,

In some brushy thicket,

That are hard to search and ride.

And better be real ready,

With your loop about to swing,

‘Cause when you hit the open,

Best to quickly cast your string.

And get another line on,

As quick as e’er you can,

Horn and heel that hussy,

At least that is the plan.

They’ll often turn and fight you,

Don’t care to be restrained,

So get it done and tied off quick,

These bovine won’t be tamed.

At times the cowboys name ‘em,

If they get away enough,

With grudging admiration,

Though matching wits with them is rough.

And, yes, the cowboys cuss ‘em,

But they need ‘em in a way,

‘Cause there’s not much need for cowboys,

If cows never go astray.

Farmers on four-wheelers,

Can manage gentle cows,

And never have to rope one,

Just toll ‘em, never chouse.

But the wild old cowboy roper,

Though his number may be few,

There’s still enough wild cattle,

So still a job for him to do.

And remember God’s a roper,

Who pursues us with His twine,

Relentlessly He chases,

And shouts to us, “You’re mine!”

Best to give up running,

And turn to Him in prayer,

And be sure you realize,

He is always there.

“For thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.’” (Ezekiel 34:11 NAS)

The prophet speaks a strong word from the Lord God. He is seen and heard as the divine shepherd who goes in search of the sheep who are lost. This is a unique and beautiful comparison, and not often recognized under the Old Covenant. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd who not only seeks but lays down His life for the sheep. God is seen as the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine and goes after the one. The value of that one is celebrated upon its rescue. Such is the God who seeks us. It is a wonderful thing to be found by Him.

Lord, help us to run to and not from You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Anton, used by permission. Thanks, Bill, and God bless you.