Something pretty important to the history of the world happened in 49 BC. That was the year a fellow named “Julius” decided to add “Caesar” to his name.
Julius led his army to the edge of a small river, the Rubicon. As long as they stayed on the northeast side of the river, all would be as it had been. But should they decided to cross the Rubicon, well ... civil war would break out. The penalty for just crossing that river would be death, not only for Julius, but for every soldier in his service.
Whatever choice Julius made would have consequences. If he decided to stay on his side of the Rubicon, nothing would change ... and change was needed. If he did cross the Rubicon, everything would change ... and there would be no turning back.
It was, truly, the point of no return.
Today, when someone uses the phrase, "cross the Rubicon," we understand there is no actual river involved. When we say that, we mean a decision must be made that cannot be taken back. Once made, we will have to face the consequences of the decision ... and live with them from that moment on.
But don't be fooled: not making the decision is also a decision. And the consequences for not choosing may be just as costly ... maybe more so.
That’s what’s happening in this week's selection from Joshua 24.
Joshua first calls together all the leaders of Israel. He reminds them of all God has done for them: the exodus from their slavery in Egypt, the provision of their needs during the wilderness years, and the gift of the Promised Land.
Then, Joshua invites them to "cross the Rubicon."
"...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve ... as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
God wants each of us to make that choice, too. Will we commit to God or will we choose another path? It’s a decision we make of our own free will. Do we yield our hearts as the Israelites were asked to do; or do we, by action or inaction, decide to do something else?
Each of us comes to our own Rubicon, our moment of decision. Do we turn back? Or do we cross it ...
and change everything?
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PHOTO: Steve Orr
A very different version of this reflection appeared in 2014.
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Join us Friday morning on ZOOM at 8:00 for DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast ... BYOB (Bring Your Own Breakfast!). Whether you’re eating, or just enjoying a morning beverage of your choice, the real feast is the time in the scripture and the fellowship with one another.
Contact me ahead of time so I can give you the Zoom link and alert our Gatekeeper to let you in.
NOTE: Zoom allows you mute the camera if you do not wish to be seen and to mute the microphone if you do not wish to speak.
Enjoy the week!
Steve
SCRIPTURES FOR THE COMING WEEK
Find them (and print them) here: https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu//texts.php?id=168
Proper 27 (32) (November 8, 2020)
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Psalm 78:1-7
Amos 5:18-24
Psalm 70
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13
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