One thing in this life is certain – that is the fact that we all have an appointment with death. Hebrews 9:27 states “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Though we are all on unique journeys, one day we will have our last ride and then what? Where will you spend eternity? What will people say at your funeral? Will you leave a legacy of love by teaching your children mercy? Or will you leave this world cursing your Creator and your very existence?

I have attended so many funerals in my lifetime. Many have been believers who knew where they were headed and once through the veil, never looked back. They just took His hand and walked through the pearly gates.

I believe that’s what my dear friend, Luches Warrior, Jr. did. After battling sickness, his body was tired, but his spirit was renewed. So when Jesus called his name and said, “Luches, I think it’s time for you to come home.” Luches said, “Can I just have one last ride, Lord.” And his Master said, “Yes, I’ll arrange that.” Then Luches said, “That’ll work.” Then he took his last breath here and met His Lord and Savior on the other side.

Little did Luches know that he would have “one last ride” here on earth when his family honored him with a parade as his casket was carried in a horse-drawn carriage. Of course his community showed up to take their hats off to one of the kindest cowboys they ever knew. And though it broke my heart to see ol’ Tex without his faithful rider, I knew that Luches had saddled up for one last ride with Jesus by his side.

As we heard many tributes about this true cowboy, some made us laugh while others made us cry. Yet perhaps the preacher said it best, “We aren’t here today because Luches died. We are here because Luches lived.”

And Luches did live and not only did he live, he taught others how to live, leaving behind a legacy of love. He loved his family, his friends and his community, but most of all he loved his Savior. And isn’t that what this journey is all about – living and loving people before that one last ride? May we all work as hard as Luches did, and then answer the call to saddle up when Jesus calls us home.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18 Though goodbye is hard to say to our beloved Checotah Roughrider as he rides away, I am certain he heard the words, “Well done, my son.” So I am confident that I will see you once again, my friend, and we will ride.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.” – Revelations 19:11-16 So we pray, even so, Lord Jesus come. Amen.