Fence Post Devotionals “The Gospel of John Cowboy Style”

God with Skin On

“At the appointed time Jesus took on flesh and became a man. He lived here amongst us and lots of folks, includin’ cowboys and cowgirls, saw His glory and it was a sight to behold. It was the glory of the Son of God. His grace and truth done shined forth ‘cause He was plumb filled up with it.” (John 1:14).

I have heard the story and perhaps you have too or at least some version of it: A small child was reluctant to go to sleep by herself one night. After several bedtime stories, her mother told her it was time to turn out the light. “But I want you to stay,” the little girl protested. “Don’t worry,” the mom said, “Jesus is here, He will be with you all night long.” To which the child replied, “But I want Jesus with skin on!”

Have you ever wished that? That you could sit down, grab a cup of coffee and have a one-on-one talk with the God of the universe? Our first parents had that opportunity. Before their disobedience, the Bible describes those intimate moments when God visited with them in the garden, where apparently they walked together and talked with each other.

But after the fall, that changed. God’s warning was that no man could see Him and live. Moses, the “friend of God,” whom God hid in the cleft of rock allowed Moses only a glimpse of His backside as He passed by.

But has God remained hidden? Can we, like the young child in the story, know God with skin on? Well, yes we can. God the Father remains unseen by human eyes. But, through His Son the Bible promises that we can know Him. You see, He did reveal Himself to us, just as the little girl wished, God with skin on, in the person of His Son, Jesus.

That is the promise fulfilled at Christmas. The angel of the Lord said that the child born of Mary would be called Immanuel, “God with us.” God, though invisible to human eyes, is nonetheless present with us indeed. Through the incarnation, “God with skin on” in the person of Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem. And Jesus, the Son of God “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples on an occasion asked Jesus, “Lord show us the Father.” In other words, Philip, like many of us, wanted to see God with skin. And Jesus answered him and us with these remarkable words, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)

Yes, indeed, we do know God through His Son, who came into the world clothed in human flesh to show and reveal to us God the creator and sustainer of all things.

Author: Mel Hooten

Pastor Mel Hooten has 45 years’ experience in Christian ministry. Since retiring from serving as a traditional church pastor in 2008, God has led him back to his roots to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world of ranchers, rodeo riders, cowboys and cowgirls who often do not feel comfortable in traditional church. Folks who love western heritage, county music, working with livestock, or cowboys at heart who prefer a simple down-to-earth approach to life; these are those to whom Mel seeks out. Pastor Mel has served as a church planter for the Western Heritage division of Texas Baptists to start the Cowboy Church of Tarrant County near Fort Worth, Texas. Currently Mel wants to continue to bring good news to those who seek the truth and make available his Bible messages, devotionals, and lessons for those who preach and teach. Mel brings a simple gospel message with a western flair. In addition, God uses him to teach practical ways to ride the range with Jesus every day. The trails of life will bring us to rivers that must be crossed and steep hills we can’t climb alone. With Jesus, we can weather the storms and ride through the valleys. He will give guidance and provisions when we get bucked off. Indeed, there is a trail that leads home. Mel’s mission is to help every person he encounters to find it. Mel and his wife, Karen, currently live in Aubrey, Texas. They like to travel in their RV and enjoy the great outdoors with their grandchildren. They are available for ministry wherever God leads them.