The Rancher

Think of the word ranch and you think of cattle, horses, sheep, stock dogs, grass, hay, a barn and corrals, and fences that stretch for miles. Think of the word rancher and you think of all the above, plus a pickup, stock trailer, tractor, coveralls, boots, hat, leather gloves, and jeans—none of them new and all in need of a good cleaning. But here’s something I bet you’ve never thought about: God is a rancher.

I’m serious. Just look at the facts (italics mine):

·         “God made the wild animals according to their kind, the livestock according to their kind, and all the creatures that move along the ground….” GENESIS 1:25

·         “He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle….” PSALM 147:8-9

·         “For every animal of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.” PSALM 50:10 (His spread makes the King Ranch or the Pitchfork look like Little Tykes play sets.)

The whole idea of raising and caring for livestock, which in turn provide meat, fiber, and milk, was God’s idea in the first place! He knows more about farming, ranch management, animal husbandry, and environmental stewardship than all of the greatest minds in our industry put together. I don’t know if God wears Wranglers or Stetsons, but I do know that it’s wise to be on good terms with Him, particularly if you’re in the profession of ranching!

(Photo taken on the Downing Ranch, Fort Morgan, Colorado.)