The Rider on the Black Horse
An evangelical preacher traveling between towns in the old west saw a cowboy riding toward him over the prairie. The evangelist knew they would soon pass each other on horseback. At best, he’d only be able to speak a sentence or two. So the preacher prayed, “Lord, how can I stir that cowboy up to seek You?” Suddenly he had an idea and grinned.
The preacher had dressed in black that morning and rode a black horse. Riding up to the cowboy, he asked.
How much would it cost for you never to pray to God again?
The cowboy lazily replied,
Oh…about a dollar.
So the preacher handed him a dollar and rode off.
The cowboy looked at the money in his hand, then over his shoulder at the departing black rider.
Suddenly fear gripped him. He started to sweat. In an instant, the cowboy guessed who the mysterious stranger must be. Gazing with horror at the dollar, one thought exploded in his panic-stricken mind.
“I just sold my soul to the Devil for a DOLLAR!”
Racing into the nearest town, the cowboy frantically sought out the local clergyman. That day, another lost soul repented and gained eternal life.
And it only cost a dollar.
Resources:
I don’t know where I heard this story, but it may have been from the Christian radio teacher, Chuck Swindoll. He’s a great storyteller.
So is the story true? No idea. But it might be. Because evangelists often tailor their message to their audience and they’re pretty creative.
