Drawing Lines by Ps Jim

One of my favourite things as a young child was using newly received colour pencils on my collection of colouring books. Amazingly simple images drawn by a clever artist, now left to the imagination of a child to deliver colour to his creation. This simple activity created discipline (over time) to remain within the restraints of the images by adhering to the boundaries the lines of the shapes had created.

They were not unlike the lines God has drawn for us to navigate healthily through our journey. My reflections reminded me of this verse:

Numbers 34:7 “This shall be your northern border: from the Great Sea you shall draw a line to Mount Hor." 10 “You shall draw a line for your eastern border from Hazar-enan to Shepham."

Drawing lines in the sand. Defining the boundaries of the possession of God for His people. Their inheritance was defined; clearly marked, specific and unambiguous. God had clear boundaries for the inheritance that he had established for his people. This land of promise wasn't an ad hoc chance possession, but had been strategically set aside as the "land of milk and honey". Yet, his survey was to be adhered to. The lines were to be drawn in the sand and the possession was to be clearly defined. This wasn't a restrictive action, but instead brought clarity, freedom from interpretation and human intervention.

Imagine life without boundaries or demarcation lines to define actions, attitudes, and activities. Simply try playing a sport without a defined playing field! The bible is filled with lines drawn in the sand that alert us to the standards of heaven versus the standards of man. These demarcation lines are not meant to be restrictive but liberating. These lines separate us from life and death, victory or failure, joy or misery, prosperity or poverty, etc. God is the director of the supernatural department of surveyors and the bible is our guide book to the mapping he has completed for our journey to be successful. Reject the lines and consequences lie before us. Jesus comes to renew our mind in order that our rebellious heart, constantly seeking ways to violate the boundaries, is transformed to see the beauty and purpose of His kingdom.