Across the Preacher's Desk: Branding Time On The Ranch

June 17, 2020 - It would probably come as no surprise to those who know us, that one of the main television channels we watch is the Food Network. In fact, we have several shows that are among our favorites and one of those is “The Pioneer Woman.” The Drummond family owns a large cattle ranch in Oklahoma and part of the show is always devoted to what is taking place on the ranch as well as the recipes Ree Drummond shares with her audience.

Not long ago, there was a segment where they were branding cattle on the ranch. Of course, we all know that the purpose of branding cattle is so that they will bear the mark of the owner.

Well, that started me to thinking… Jesus wants us to carry His brand. Paul said in Galatians 6:17, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Paul possibly was referring to the stripes he received in Philippi, or the emaciation of his body due to hunger. And yet, he might well have been referring to certain things about himself that identify him with the cause of Christ.

Jesus told us that the mark of discipleship was love. Before he went to the cross, he told His disciples in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Just as cattle on the ranch will bear the mark of the owner, when we love each other we will be branded by Jesus, we will carry the mark of Jesus Christ to whom we belong.

It’s something to think about… tbp

Center Church of Christ, 110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas or online at www.centerchurchofchrist.com.