Crossing The Rubicon

Crossing the Rubicon is one of the world's oldest phrases dating back to Julius Caesar.  After one of Julius Caesar's successful military campaigns, Roman Emperor Pompey became fearful that he might one day take his throne.  So, under pretext of honoring Caesar, Pompey ordered him to leave his army and report to Rome immediately.  Caesar knew that if he did this he would probably be  assassinated.  Instead, Caesar led his troops across the rive Rubicon in a surprise attack on Rome and seized power.  Once across the Rubicon, there was no turning back.  

Jesus was crossing the Rubicon when He passed over the Brook Kidron on His way to the Garden of Gethsemane on the eve of His crucifixion.  There was no turning back.  He realized full well that it meant His betrayal, trial, and His crucifixion and death.  He crossed over in obedience.

How many Christians have been baptized but have never really crossed the Rubicon where they give themselves freely and totally to God?  Every human being will and must one day approach their own Rubicon and must decide to either cross it or let it slip through their fingers.  

James Russell Lowell in his famous poem wrote:  "Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide.  In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side.  Some great cause, some new decision, offering each the bloom or blight, and the choice goes by forever.  Twixt that darkness and that light."

If you are married, ask yourself this question:  "Have I crossed the Rubicon for my marriage?"  What that means is this.  Have you come to the point where all of your suit cases are unpacked?  Where you have made the decision that whatever happens, happens.  For example, if you are a man and your wife has breast cancer, will that be a game changer for you?  Or are you all the way in.  No matter what happens, for better or worse, you will love her and never leave her.  Regardless of the circumstances, you have crossed the Rubicon and no matter what happens, you will always remain faithful.  

This is what Jesus asks of us.  John 6:66 says, "From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more."  Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?"  Jesus wasn't putting up with it anymore.  No more sitting on the fence.  He's asking them if they want to go with Him or not.  Either you are going to cross the Rubicon now or you're never going to.  But if you do, there's no turning back.  You have to be all in.  

Following the Lord means a serious walk with Him.  If God is speaking to you now.  If you feel He's touched your heart, then you need to do something about it.  Can you hear Jesus asking you, "Do you also want to go away?"  Are you going to cross the Rubicon with Jesus?  Are you going to say the words of the Apostles, "We have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."