The Master's Call

When I was but a young man I was wild and full of fire, A youth within my teens but full of challenge and desire. I ran away from home and left my mother and my dad, I know it grieved them so to think their only boy was bad. I fell in with an outlaw band, their names were known quite well, How many times we robbed and plundered, I could never tell. This kind of sinful livin' leads only to a fall, I learned that much and more the night I heard my master call. One night we rustled cattle, a thousand head or so, And started them out on the trail that leads to Mexico. But a norhtern started blowin' and lightnin' flashed about, I thought someone was calling me I thought I heard a shout. Then at that moment lightning struck not twenty yards from me, And left there was a giant cross where once there was a tree. And this time I knew a heard a voice, a voice so sweet and strange, A voice that came from everywhere, a voice that called my name. So frightened I was thinking of sinful deeds I'd done, I failed to see a thousand head of cattle start to run. The cattle they stampeded, were running all around, My pony ran but stumbled, and it threw me to the ground. I felt the end was nearing, that death would be the price, When a mighty bolt of lightning showed the face of Jesus Christ. And I cried "Oh Lord, forgive me. Don't let it happen now, I want to live for You alone, oh God these words I vow." My wicked past unfolded, I thought of wasted years, When another bolt of lightning killed a hundred head of steers. And the others rushed on by me, and I was left to live The Master had a reason, life is His to take and give. A miracle performed that night, I wasn't ment to die The dead ones formed a barricade least 6 or 7 high Right behind it, there was I, afraid but safe and sound I cried and begged for mercy kneeling there upon the ground A pardon I was granted, my sinful soul set free, No more to fear the angry waves upon life's stormy sea. Forgiven by the love of God, a love that will remain, I gave my life and soul the night the Saviour called my name.