Out Our Way: "Check the brand, not the breed

Zechariah 2:1-11 - "Many nations shall join themselves to the Lord on that day and shall be My people; and I will dwell in your midst."

Out our way, ranchers often start with one breed of cow in their herd, but over time they may add other breeds and mixes - but they all wear the same brand (and/or same ear tags). Big Mike started with red Angus, but over time he added Charolais and a few mixed breeds as he built up the herd. Charlie and I rode fences and checked the herd pretty often, and sometimes we would spot a few newcomers Mike had brought in. Checking the brand and tags we knew they belonged even if they were a different color or breed.

These days, there are a lot of different folks calling themselves Christian who, frankly, don't ride for the Brand. They ride for the "breed" - their pastor, their church, their denomination, their political views, etc. As such, they often become easy dupes for the "Prince of this world" [John 14:30], and while singing praises to Jesus, serve a different lord. 

Working cows on the Tiger Ridge with Charlie, I learned to check the brand, not the breed. Riding for the Boss, I realize, "there is a God and I am not Him." I see a black Angus mixed in with red Angus, I may be suspicious. But before I loose my rope to haul her out, I check her brand and ear tags. Mike would be pretty angry if I didn't bother and just assumed she wasn't one of his.

Disciples of Jesus come in a variety of "breeds," but all wear the same brand: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbor as yourself!" (Matthew 22:37-40 Those who, despite bearing the title of rabbi, priest, reverend, etc., do not exhibit these basics do not ride for God's brand but serve a different boss. See John 14:30 again.

So, the question comes: "Whose brand do you ride for?"

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].