Last week as I was driving to work I came upon a stretch of road that was recently paved. There were no lines. This particular road is already narrow feeling with two lanes going in each direction and no median. I didn’t panic but I did slow down, sit up straighter and paid more attention. Those lines in the road give guidance and it’s a little unnerving without them.
Many people reject God because He has so many “rules” and “thou shalt not’s.” However, they don’t take the time to understand why God gives us these commands. It is because He loves us so much and wants the best for us. When we “cross the line” into sin, there are always consequences. They may not be immediate but there is always a price.
Just yesterday as I was teaching Isaiah 48, we read this verse:
“If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” Isaiah 48:18 NIV
We focused on the phrase “if only.” God (through Isaiah the prophet) is talking to the Israelites in this chapter about their stubbornness and following idols. This would lead to their being disciplined and taken into captivity in Babylon. “If only” they has listened. “If only’s” come with regrets for us as well.
We need boundaries. Kids need and crave boundaries. If you give them a choice of oatmeal or M&M’s for breakfast, which would they choose? Candy for breakfast would not be for their good (or yours!).
God knows we are the same way. If sinful decisions were not appealing, we wouldn’t sin. But there is just enough appeal to draw us in time after time. If there had been a big ugly worm in that fruit that tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, she would have likely declined.
Are you tempted to “cross the line” right now in some particular area of your life? Maybe you already have and are paying the price.
What is amazing is that the same God who made those “lines” (or gave us the boundaries) is the One who welcomes us back repeatedly. He is patient and long-suffering. He really loves us that much! All through Isaiah we read of God’s warnings to His people, His discipline and even His wrath. However, there is also hope, peace and love woven throughout.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 NIV (emphasis mine)
As I’m typing this, the song “Your Grace Still Amazes Me” came on the radio. I think the chorus is an appropriate way to close.
Your grace still amazes me
Your love is still a mystery
Each day I fall on my knees
Your grace still amazes me
‘Cause Your grace still amazes me
Have a great day!