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Out Our Way: I will ride the river with this one

Psalm 46: 1 God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help at the time of trial.

Out our way, we have a few creeks to cross here and there in most pasture lands, but in the old days of the cattle drives when there were no fences many a trail drive included "riding the river." River crossings were always dangerous and tricky, and many a cowhand drowned when his horse stepped into a pit hole or the current proved too strong. But many a cowhand lived because someone came to his rescue. A friend who would risk all to pull you out if your horse slipped and fell and the current swept you away was a friend of the highest caliber. In short, someone you could depend on to ride with you and always have your back. Thus one of the greatest compliments a cowhand could give another was to say so and so was someone with whom "they would ride the river."

Look at the Psalmist's cry of trust and you get the "ride the river" vibes. What is especially noteworthy is the fact that nowhere in scripture is there any suggestion the believer will never have to cross any rivers. Look at the great men and women of the Bible. Abraham, Sara, Joshua, Ruth, David, Daniel, Esther, the Apostles, Paul, Christ Himself ... and all had to cross the river.

Despite the "medicine show preachers" who promise bridges and paved roads to Glory, the trail is hard and you will have to swim the rivers from time to time. God doesn't promise a dry crossing, but He does promise to "ride the river with you."

I have been thinking about writing a modern version of the "Book of Job" using some of my own trials and tribulations as the basis. As I can't call it "The Book of John" - That title has already been taken, several times - I might call it the "Book of Bronco," my seminary nickname. Like Job, I too faced illness, the death of loved ones, the betrayal by trusted colleagues, rejection by family members, and lack of support from those I sought out in the darkest times.

The "medicine show preachers" who promise an "easy ride" and "dry saddles " all the way to Paradise for a small donation are what Christ calls "blind guides" and "false teachers." (Matthew 15:14). They will not ride the river. But God will.

The Gospel Trail is as hard riding as the Bozeman Trail, or the Chisolm Trail of old. Believe me, there are plenty of rivers to cross. That rivers exist does not mean you took the wrong trail. It is simply the reality that all disciples discover if they ride with Christ. If you ride for the brand you will have to cross rivers. The Promised Land is across the river Jordan. If you intend to ride that trail, expect rivers. But if you ride for the brand and not for yourself, remember who rides the river with you.

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].

 

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