"That Old Cowboy"

They’ll say, see that old cowboy,

And I always want to look,

Somehow I’m never thinking,

It’s me, and I mistook,

Myself for someone younger,

‘Cause in so many ways,

Inside I’m just the same as,

My wild and wooly days,

And, yes, I’ve gotten older,

And I’ll admit to you,

That some things aren’t as easy,

As the way I used to do.

Still throw my leg over,

But like a quiet horse,

Don’t care too much ‘bout starting one,

‘Less I had to, then, of course.

I don’t say I am slower,

But more deliberate, sure,

Let’s say I’ve grown more careful,

When those uphill climbs endure.

And when I’m out there workin’,

I try to find a pace,

I’m not in such a hurry,

Like some youngster in a race.

I like a quiet evenin’,

Don’t need a power run,

A plate of home-cooked supper,

Cowboy radio for fun.

But let me say this, brother,

I know my legs are bowed,

But one thing that’s for certain,

I’m reaping what I sowed.

 And I’ve decided lately,

That this world ain’t my home,

And I have trusted Jesus,

And His saving grace I’ve known.

So call me an old cowboy,

I guess you’d say it’s true,

But inside I have a new life,

And I am telling you,

One day this old cowboy,

You’ll look for but won’t find,

And then someone will tell you,

I’m dead, but keep in mind,

Don’t think that for a minute,

‘Cause I’ll just make the change,

Of living life on this side,

Then riding heaven’s range.

Look at that old cowboy,

He’s young and bold again,

There he rides with Jesus,

And better than he’s been.

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1, NLT)

Being a child of God means that we have received the love the Father offers through Jesus Christ. As human beings we are God’s children by virtue of the fact that we are created in His image. But our true identity as a child of God is never realized without being born of the Spirit and being adopted into God’s family. Paul says we are reconciled to God through Jesus, and John describes it as receiving a lavish love that separates us from those who have not yet received it. The world does not know us because it did not know or receive Jesus, according to John. So what we are talking about is a distinctive spiritual identity that connects us with all those who have received the same grace. What if a person has lived most of their lives in rebellion against God or maybe just indifferent? No matter. What matters is that they come now, and receive the generous love of God. That’s all. But that’s enough.

Lord, help us receive and celebrate Your lavish love, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Shawn Cameron, shawncameron.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Shawn, and God bless you.