"Over?"

Some think that it is over,

That old cowboy way, you know,

But long as there’s an appetite,

For the beefsteak we love so,

They’ll have to raise the cattle,

For the hide and burgers, too,

And someone has to cowboy,

To care for them, it’s true.

And, yes, we have machines and such,

And lots of tools high-tech,

But none replace the cowboy,

Without some awful wreck.

And that’s because there’s places,

That high-tech cannot go,

Needs one alive and horseback,

To get it done, you know.

So you won’t ever see him,

When you drive down the road,

He’s way back off the grid somewhere,

Works with the things we’ve knowed,

About where to find the water,

And how to rope and tie,

And doctor a sick yearling,

And make do when it’s dry.

Or when a first-calf heifer,

Is gonna need some help,

It’s not how big your hat is,

Or the buckle on your belt.

But nameless, workin’ heroes,

With long hours and short pay,

Who live out the cowboy dream,

And do it everyday.

And no, this thing’s not over,

So don’t believe that lie,

The cowboy way’s alive and well,

And it will never die.

Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6, NIV)

The cowboy way of life is alive and well, though some doubt it. Those of us who love and appreciate the western lifestyle are committed to teaching people the value of it. But more importantly, that they learn and embrace Jesus claim to be the “way, the truth, and the life.” What does this mean exactly? The simple, yet profound, claim is that He is the way to be restored to the Creator through His sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead. Knowing Him in the power of the Holy Spirit means we have accepted Him as the way to have this relationship restored, and with it comes truth and life. We are set free by God’s truth, according to Jesus, and are given both abundant and eternal life. It’s one thing to appreciate the cowboy way. Or not…It’s quite another to miss out on the claim and offer of the Son of God. His has eternal consequence, and He says none come to the Father except through Him. I do not need to judge others, but simply point all the Jesus Christ who claimed to be the way, the truth and the life. I believe Him, and I hope you do, too.

Lord, help us find in You the way, the truth, and the life, in Jesus’ name.

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