Written by: Pastor Jesse Nicholson
2/24/2011 12:34 PM 

When you hear the phrase, “draw a line in the sand,” what comes to your mind?  I see that phrase as a “tough guy” kind of a metaphor.  When a line is drawn in the sand it means that you have a decision to make.  It means that you will need to make a courageous decision that comes with a high price.  It may cost you your life.

Such was the case in Exodus 32.  The Israelites were frustrated at the length of time Moses was up on the mountain.  They turned to their leader Aaron who thought quickly of a way to assuage their anger—make an idol.  So many things are wrong with both their decision making and Aaron’s.  First, no one thought of praying when they were frustrated.  Second, they forgot the God who delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians (Pharaoh’s workload and the Egyptian army). Then no one questioned Aaron’s decision to make a golden calf.  Was there not one man who would do right? 

We live in a politically correct society today.  We fear the consequences of what the world might think if we stand up for God’s way.  You may have an atheist shout out during a prayer in a meeting (as was the case in Polk County, Florida yesterday).  Or, someone might question your methods of discipline.  We fear man rather than God. 

Lately I have been reading through the Pentateuch.  As I made my way through the latter part of Exodus and now into Leviticus I will admit that I have become a bit bogged down by all the detail.  However, as I think about what it all means I cannot help but appreciate my God and the Lord Jesus for coming and fulfilling all of it.  God’s desire for you and me is not that we become focused on the rules and regulations, but that we fix our eyes on Him and enjoy Him.  He wants us to keep His commandments, not as a heartless endeavor, but in loving obedience (John 14:15) .  He wants us to cherish and love Him. 

When Moses came down from the mount he was infuriated. (He thought like God because he was with Him.)  He immediately confronted the crowd.  He asked Aaron what was going on.  Aaron quickly turned the blame to the people who “made him do it” (the mark of a weak leader—blame others).  Moses “drew a line in the sand” and asked who was on the Lord’s side.  Only one of the 12 tribes stepped forward—the Levites.  God did not hold the guilty guiltless.  He rewarded them for their sin.  All of this because they did not remain faithful to their God—the one who called them His own. 

The line is drawn today for you, will you serve God or will you cow to the crowds in fear of what they might think of you?  We need more “Levites” who will make the hard decision.  And, we need more leaders like Moses who will become infuriated by the sin of God’s people and will actually do something about it.  Are you one of those people?  The line is drawn. 

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