Testing Limits
Drawing a line in the sand. When I was young, if someone drew a line in the sand it usually escalated into a physical confrontation, no matter who crossed over the line first. I wasn’t one of the tough kids back then so I didn’t cross the line very much. Ok, I never did. However, I recall having fun listening to the stories my grandfather told regarding his episodes of a line getting drawn in the sand. No doubt the stories got better through the years, but he indicated that the line sometimes didn’t quite get drawn before he was crossing the line. I tried researching where drawing a line in the sand originated and did not find a consistent source. Regardless, in each case the line in the sand set a boundary or limit. Going beyond those limits would bring consequences. So, in one way or another, I would venture to say we all have been involved with lines in the sand. As a result we have faced the ensuing consequence.Jesus’ Consequences
Jesus might not have drawn a line but he was drawing in the sand when faced with settling a dispute with an adulterous woman in John 8:1-11. The crowd was wanting judgement cast upon her and was anxiously awaiting Jesus’ decision. Jesus silenced the crowd as he slowly drew His line in the sand. He drew this line to set a boundary. This means crossing it would involve consequences. Jesus looked at the crowd on the other side of the line and said; “you without sin, cast the first stone.” Nobody was qualified to cross that boundary.Where do you draw the line?
As Christians, where do we draw the line in the sand? No doubt it is easy to cross that line when debating abortion, or if someone is being abused. But what about standing up for Biblical truth in a noisy volatile world? What about putting a stop to corrosive gossip in the arena of social media? How about taking the time to tell someone about Jesus? So many things we can do as Christians if we are willing to face the consequences. What consequences? Well, it takes a willingness to go that extra mile, spend a little more time, and engage in Christ centered conversations. It can be as simple as setting personal goals; reading the Bible, going to church regularly, or volunteering in the community. Or like Joshua when he drew a line in the sand and said; “but for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15b.Our Boundaries
As a Christian, where we set our boundaries, how we act, where we place our priorities, and the examples we set, will be contagious for generations to come. Yes, part of crossing the line in the sand may have negative consequences, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong,” 2 Corinthians 12:10. But it is so worth it, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,” Matthew 5:12a. Dear Lord, give me the strength to cross the line in the sand, the boundaries of heavenly reward, Amen.— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily DevotionsToday’s Scripture
John 8:1-11
Jesus Forgives An Adulterous Woman
1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
Joshua 24:15b
Choose Whom You Will Serve
15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.2 Corinthians 12:10
Paul’s Visions and His Thorn
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Matthew 5:12a
The Beatitudes
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.