Whether liked or not, lines are drawn for a reason. However, there are always those who want to cross the line to do what they desire or push the line for it to encompass what they want. Though all lines drawn by human wisdom may not always be what is best, we must give due attention to the lines God has created as we understand — based on His perfect love and wisdom — He does truly have our best in mind. As there are those in this world today who want to redraw His lines, that tendency is not new. We find it even among the people of Israel.
During the days of God’s prophet Jeremiah, God referred to His people as being “foolish and senseless” due to their unwillingness to see and hear His direction. (Jeremiah 5:21) We go on to read. . .
“(22) Do you not fear me? declares the Lord. Do you not tremble before me? I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it. (23) But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and gone away. (24) They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.’ (25) Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have kept good from you.” (Jeremiah 5:22-25 ESV)
Though God’s creation acknowledged the boundary He had set, God’s people did not! Just a few verses further we read. . .
“ [28] they have grown fat and sleek. They know no bounds in deeds of evil; they judge not with justice the cause of the fatherless, to make it prosper, and they do not defend the rights of the needy.” (Jeremiah 5:28 ESV)
Does that not sound like pushing the limits of the boundaries of God? As we see in the world around us, once lines are pushed they often ultimately get pushed further than what may have first been imagined; even to a ridiculous point.
In his letter to Christians at Corinth, Paul urged. . .
“(6) I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.” (1 Corinthians 4:6 ESV)
May we acknowledge the lines God has lovingly and wisely drawn for living the best life presently as we trust His assurance of the eternal life to which we are being led!
Have a great day FINDING COMFORT WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES GOD HAS ESTABLISHED!
Carl
