It was a rough, hard land, and we learned to walk careful and keep our eyes open, trusting in the Lord and a fast gunhand.”
–Louis L’Amour (Chancy)
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. And men will rise up from your own number with deviant doctrines to lure the disciples into following them.”
–Acts 20:29-30 (HCSB)
—————————-
Was that the howling of the winds rushing down the canyon stirring through the tops of the pines? No, wait, it was the howl of wolves stalking their prey, waiting for the right moment to attack and devour. January is almost over (can you believe it?) and I haven’t written about how bitter the weather was and the “wolves.”
This song rates right up there, at least in the top fifty, of my favorites. I first heard it years ago when Garth Brooksstarted singing. Since then several artists have put it out. Written by Stephanie Davis, it tells a sad story, but look closer–there is a spiritual analogy.
Wolves are master predators. They use various means to stalk their prey and they prefer to eat it alive. Upon finding a victim they will attempt to tear out the vital organs by ripping at the stomach. If that isn’t successful they will hamstring the chosen animal, then when it is crippled have its way with the victim. Their thirst slackened by the blood from the victim, they tear out the vital organs first, leaving whatever remains for the mangy coyotes. In the same way there are wolves that seek to pull the life from your soul.
Do you ever think of your friends, those that don’t seem to want much of the Lord? Those that just drift along in life. How about those that go to church, but never seem to get closer to the Lord, they don’t read the Bible, they don’t pray? Maybe they were once vibrant Christians but now they seemed to have slowed down in their walk. Will they become victims of the wolves? Don’t forget, the enemy of our souls, sends out wolves to destroy and kill. Let’s look at this song (I’m leaving out verse two).
“January’s always bitter
But Lord, this one beats all
The wind ain’t quit for weeks now
And the drifts are ten feet tall
I been all night drivin’ heifers
Closer in to lower ground
Then I spent the mornin’ thinkin’
‘Bout the ones the wolves pulled down.
. . .
Lord, please shine a light of hope
On those of us who fall behind
And when we stumble in the snow
Could you help us up while there’s still time?
Well, I don’t mean to be complainin’ Lord
You’ve always seen me through
And I know you got your reasons
For each and every thing you do
But tonight outside my window
There’s a lonesome, mournful sound
And I just can’t keep from thinkin’
‘Bout the ones the wolves pull down.
Oh Lord, keep me from bein’
The one the wolves pull down.”
Listen, wolves may be cute animals, and they are subject of much controversy in some circles today, but never forget they are predators. There are all sorts of wolves our in society. There are wolves in the pulpit, there are wolves in the government and in business. Don’t think they are just cute, playful animals lest they lunge at you, snarling and gnashing their teeth…wanting to devour.
“Oh Lord, keep me from bein’
The one the wolves pull down!”