Line in the Sand

Sometimes it’s hard to let things go. I’ve often struggled with a temper, which Proverbs 14:17 says can make a person act foolishly when it is quick. Not to contrive a loophole with the Scripture, but I do think I’m getting better on the quick part. The temper, though, brews beneath the surface like a stomach full of jalapenos. In an effort to put a positive spin on it, I describe myself as high justice. 

For example…

A long time ago, o.k., a few weeks ago, a driver was going way too fast in a high pedestrian area. I took it upon myself to impede his speed. He told me to get out of his way or else. “Or else what?” I replied. I let my temper get the best of me by inviting him out of his car for some free dental work. See! There are things in life that are free! I’m not sure if it was equivalent to flipping tables in the temple, but the reckless endangerment compelled me to act. I drew a line in the sand. Thankfully, he drove off much more slowly. 

It got me thinking about drawing lines in the sand. The figure of speech originated from a literal event that happened many years ago. In the 2nd Century B.C., the consolidated Greek rule under Alexander the Great split into warring factions upon his death. As Alexander lay dying, he was asked who would inherit the kingdom. His response was “the strongest.” The Macedonian (Greek) Empire was subdivided into smaller kingdoms, of which the Seleucid Empire was one. It’s crowned leader: Antiochus Epiphanes. Epiphanes means God manifested, so you can imagine the ego. He had an insatiable appetite for conquest and set his eyes on the southern kingdom of Ptolemy (modern-day Egypt). He looted the Jerusalem Temple to fuel his conquest and was successful in his Ptolemaic takeover (the “p” is silent; what a ring!). 

But God is also high justice. Antiochus underestimated his new adversary to the north and was humbled by the Roman General Popillius Laenas. The story goes that the Roman General exposed Antiochus between the two armies, drawing a box around him in the sand. Antiochus was required to surrender before breaching the line in the sand or face the brunt of the Roman Army. 

That day wasn’t the demise of Antiochus, but it would eventually come. In a hurried future journey, he fell out of his chariot, and that was the end for Antiochus. The man who first experienced the proverbial line in the sand.

Please don’t come to any grand theological conclusions. I’m recounting the historical setting behind a figure of speech we utilize today. But God is just, and we are called to be a people in pursuit of justice (Micah 6:8). Justice isn’t vengeance like I was teetering toward with the rogue driver. Biblical justice is the squaring up of wrongs. It is reconciliatory and restorative. Its perfect administration can only flow from a perfect God. 

I can still identify with the Sons of Thunder (Mark 3), and I do have strong convictions when it comes to lines in the sand. But administering justice is beyond my ability. The rogue driver and I are similar in both deserving and needing justice. We are both oppressor and oppressed. Victimizer and victim. 

A significant amount of focused prayer continues to cool my temper. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Lord, let your justice and mercy flow.