Out Our Way: Lions beware - Psalm 23:4

Out our way, the Old West is fondly remembered and talked about, but clearly things are not the same. No big trail drives taking weeks of herding and pushing to market - instead we take the cattle in trucks. Few areas of open range exist, most herds are confined in fenced pastures, and often herding is done from four-wheelers instead of horses. But some things don't change. Though there haven't been any bears in the Bear Paws, and the wolf packs that used to roam the area are gone, lions and packs of coyotes still exist here and there, and they still can be a threat to horse, rider and herd. But, at the same time, they have to beware of us because we are also a threat to them.

Years ago in Wyoming, a friend told me how lions and coyotes know when a rancher was "carrying." When he was riding without a pistol or saddle gun, they might pop up nearby, trotting along a few yards off. But if he was armed, they knew it. Many was the time he had spotted them just out of rifle range warily watching him and keeping out of his way. After two run-ins with lions in the area, I started wearing a .45 as well - and whether it made any difference or not I cannot say for certain, but I never saw hide nor hair of any again.

Now, Doc stiffened those times when we ran into a lion, but he never panicked. He never tried to bolt and, although plainly agitated, he was not terrified. I think it was because I was with him. In the same way, though Charlie and I rode a good deal over the Tiger Ridge with the cattle, which is somewhat isolated; we never ran across any sign of predators in the area because I think they all knew better. They knew the smell and sight of human beings - and where there were people, there was danger. The cattle also knew the sight and smell of people, but in their case it meant safety. 

The ancient shepherd, like David, watched over the flocks and, as Goliath discovered, the good shepherds packed some clout with the sheep's enemies. Clubs and slings were carried and used so that lions, wolves and even bears learned to back off. Like the modern cowboy with his Winchester or Colt, those who threatened the herd or flock were in turn threatened by their protector.

Most folk know the 23rd Psalm and the image of the Good Shepherd caring for His flock. The "green pastures and still waters" resonates with us. But in times of trial it is good to remember the "rod and staff" is also part of the picture. If the heavy club and deadly sling is too primitive an image, think of the modern cowhand with the rifle and revolver patrolling those good pastures and clean watering holes.

I doubt the cow, calf or bull know what a rifle or pistol is, but I guarantee you the lion and coyote do. You may not fully comprehend the wrath of God against the powers of Darkness that seek to decimate your life, but the Prince of Darkness does and his minions, if they don't know yet, soon will. Evil exists and, like the lion, terrifies us. But read your history as well as your Bible and see the fate that always awaits it in the end. Even in the Valley of Death itself, the Lord is with us to comfort, protect and ultimately make us whole. The sheep fears the lion, but the lion fears the Shepherd even more.

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Brother John

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The Rev. John Bruington is the retired pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Havre. He now lives in Colorado, but continues to write "Out Our Way." He can be reached for comment or dialogue at [email protected].