(2-3 minute read) What do you think of when you hear, “draw a line in the sand?” Typically it is an ultimatum situation. You are either on this side or that side. You are with me or you are against me. A “there is no two ways about this…….. there is only just the one way…….. you pick”

I remember clearly when a dear, dear friend did this once. At the time it was such a gut wrenching situation. It was one of those moments in life where the stillness of the moment, the silence all around, the people around looking from one face to the other in astonishment, almost paralyzing. No one knew how to react.

You see, when the line is drawn, everyone on either side is watching to see which side you are on. It is simple, the line is clear. Pick a side.

The beauty about my friend’s story is that when he drew the line it was actually to cross-out a DEEP and CLEAR line that was already drawn. Who knew that this is even possible!? I remember that moment and the amazement, wonder and the surprise that every person in the crowd sensed. They were like;

No, no……….. That’s not how this is done………. The line is clear………. It is written as clear as the sun on the clearest day of the year…………. You shall not commit adultery……… You either are for God or Against God…………. The LINE IS CLEAR…….. Here it is……….. Are you with God? Then throw the stone! If you do not throw the stone, then you are against God.

Actually my friend is my father, but calling him a friend I know would make him smile 🙂 You know what He did?? He did not shout! He did not holler! He whispered……. Go ahead and throw the stone, only if you consider yourself the one to condemn.

I freaked out…….. literally. I was holding the stone, I looked at Him and said, “I am doing this for you…….. I am following what you told me to do…… You, You said this…….” All I heard back was; “Go ahead and throw the stone, only if you consider yourself the one to condemn.” I exclaimed, “Are you saying now that it is Ok to commit adultery?” My father with a loving gentle smile responded, “Go ahead and throw the stone, only if you consider yourself the one to condemn.”

I fell to my knees and wept. Next thing I know, His hands are lifting me up. I looked at Him with tears flowing believing I’ve disappointed Him, but the words out of His mouth were; “Son, your love to me is precious, amazing and overwhelming but do not let it overwhelm you.” And He smiled as he wiped the tears off my face.

I know, I know, you will have a million and one ‘but’ and ‘therefore’. All I can say is, if this story here does not exemplify, attest to, and demonstrate the Lord’s Heart the Creator’s Love and the Maker’s Will, then nothing else can, I guess, and that too is OK. But shouldn’t we try and follow His lead??

My Lord and my Creator, humble me in Your presence for You are here. I thank You and I love You oh so dearly. Amen.