"Time to Search"

Saddled early ‘fore the sun,

‘Cause a cowboy’s work is never done,

And wild bovine will hide and run,

From weary horseback men.

He thinks he’s roped a steady mount,

And based upon the cow boss’ count,

With work no one would dare discount,

They might bring wild ones in.

Is it the freedom that he knows,

When off he rides ‘fore sunlight glows,

Or in the wind that steady blows,

The cares clean from his mind.

When life cues from the season’s lands,

This cowboy way of life withstands,

Fewer who make horseback hands,

And traditions hard to find.

No matter for it’s time to search,

And long-trot from his saddle perch,

To sing ‘neath nature’s outside church,

Those cows are hidden well.

But like a priest that knows the way,

He’ll see the ones who’ve gone astray,

And gather cattle come what may,

From everywhere they dwell.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:10, NLT)

This phrase powerfully sums up God’s mission in sending Jesus Christ into the world. His was a search and rescue mission. His death and resurrection accomplished the means by which all may be saved, and now it’s all about searching for the ones who need it. The Holy Spirit draws them and we believers are in the hunt for them. Paul said that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, a statement he said all should accept. When we drift away from this central focus we risk distraction from what matters most. It’s all about the search.

Lord, help us be on mission, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Bill Owen. Used by permission of cowhorsegallery.com. Thanks, and God bless.