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 went bad

I fell in with an outlaw band, their names were known quitewell

How many times we robbed and plundered, I could never tell

This kind of sinful living, leads only to a fall

I learned that much and more the night I heard my Master's call

One night we rustled cattle, a thousand head or so

And started then out on the trail that leads to Mexico

When a norther started blowing and lightning 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

This time I knew I 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 the 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 near, that death would be the price

When another 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 and 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 or give

A miracle performed that night, I wasn't meant to die

The dead ones formed a barricade nearly six or seven high

And right behind it there was I, afraid but safe and sound

I cried in vain 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 seas

Forgiven by the love of God, a love that will remain

I learned that much and more the night the Saviour called my name