Pastor in the Pasture by Wendel Elliott: Stirred by their words
Maybe close to where you hang your hat, there is some type of cowboy poetry and western music gathering. You may have enjoyed reading a good Baxter Black poem or enjoyed listening to Waddie Mitchell or Dave Stamey, among others. You’ve listened intently to their words and lyrics, bringing you to another place and time. You nod your head in agreement or smile at the memory. I am amazed at the level of talent that these folks have in putting together words and notes. I have caught myself on the edge of my seat as I listen to the story unfold. I’m riding right beside them as they chase a maverick steer or laughing because I’ve been a similar wreck. I’m sure you’ve found yourself doing the same as I have if you’ve had the opportunity.
We are stirred by their words and connect with them as they tell their experience. They let us know what it felt like for them in the midst of their wreck, spring works, or connecting with God and His creation. You might be able to relate because you’ve been there, or you have a knowledge and understanding that can bring you to that relationship with the story.
Sadly, there are some that would hear those words and just not get it. They would hear the words but sure wouldn’t understand. They haven’t thrown their leg over a bronc and had it unload them. They’ve never roped a maverick or gathered remnants. You may have some similar type of people in your life right now. They hear your words and advice founded upon God’s word but they just don’t get it.
Jesus had some of those folks around Him during His days. He was teaching about the Word of God and comparing it to seed and the different kinds of soil that it fell upon. Jesus was teaching people with this parable and He gave this explanation to His disciples in the book of Matthew:
“This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.” (Matthew 13:13-16 NIV)
Do you know God’s Word? Is it like good seed that has fallen on a heart that is like good soil? Have you heard and understood what He is speaking in His Words to you? “Are your eyes blessed because they see and your ears because they hear?” I pray that is the case for you and if it isn’t I pray for you to find a good Bible-based church and let His Word fall on the good soil of a prepared heart. Here’s hoping that you are stirred by His Words!
I’ll see ya’ll out in the pasture!
