"Root Hog or Die"

When you’re out there on the gather,

And your pony wants to buck,

His rolling eyes are your surprise,

And you’re running low on luck,

You have to stay there with it,

At least you’ve got to try,

Get a grip and don’t you slip,

‘Cause it’s root hog or die.

When you’re brandin’ those old cattle,

And the smoke is hot and thick,

Those you’re pickin’ keep on kickin’,

And movin’ mighty quick,

Just remember why we brand ‘em,

And where the hot iron lies,

Leg ‘em down right to the ground,

‘Cause it’s root hog or die.

When you’re out there settin’ fence posts,

And tryin’ to pull that wire,

The hot sun makes you want to run,

And in cool shade retire,

Remember there’s a reason,

For givin’ this much try,

In spite of sun you get it done,

‘Cause it’s root hog or die.

When those fellers trap your partner,

‘Cause he cut in on a date,

A big chance at the barn dance,

Looks like a fight, don’t wait,

But step in, get the first lick,

At least you gotta try,

Help bringing with fist swinging,

‘Cause it’s root hog or die.

And when you fight the devil,

And he tempts you with his toys,

Let no attack or sly distract,

Blur heaven and its joys.

But resist that devilish serpent,

Don’t fall for his old lie,

Praise Jesus’ fame and in His name,

Make him root hog or die.

“Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifce. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves…” (Matthew 21;12, NLT)

The scriptures that describe Jesus clearing the temple present a shocking picture. We always think of Jesus as sweet and humble, yet in verses like these He is turning over tables. In John’s gospel we read he plaited together a leather whip and used it to drive the people out. This is just not the gentle Jesus meek and mild whom we’ve come to expect in the Bible. In these verses He is assertive and you might even say, agressive. He was clearly offended with what was happening in the holy space of God’s temple. They had made it something other than what God intended. Something needed to change, and Jesus brought it. He wasn’t afraid to make this challenge, knowing it was clearly part of His undoing.

Lord, help us quietly and clearly stand up for You, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Teal Blake, tealblake.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Teal, and God bless you.