The Rubicon, Part 1

You may have heard the term, "crossing the Rubicon" as a metaphor for making a daring decision.  One that involved risk.  Make or break.  No turning back once you cross a point.

Here's where that term came from.

Back in the days of the Romans, the Rubicon stream in Italy served as a boundary between Italy and Gaul (a Roman province in that day that included present-day France, Belgium, and Switzerland).  It goes without saying that Rome was the most powerful city in the world, having colonized a significant portion of the European continent, as well as part of Asia now known as Turkey.

Julius Caesar became a very powerful figure, being a great army General and rising political figure.  However, many elite Romans became suspicious, if not fearful, of his successes. 

Enter one such elite named Pompey - another powerful military leader.  Pompey became jealous of Caesar's success and came to fear his return from Gaul because Caesar would most-likely become his superior.  Pompey began planning a coup so that when Caesar returned, he (Pompey) would surely be crowned the most powerful man in the world.

Pompey's plan was to have the Roman Senate command Caesar to return to Rome alone - without his army.  That way, Caesar would be unprotected by his fiercely committed army.  Caesar, however, knew better, knowing full well that he would be arrested and tried for treason with trumped up charges.

When Caesar got the message, he gathered his army officers together and told them what the situation was.  If he crossed the Rubicon with his army, he would be considered a traitor.

His officers told him they would never leave him:  If Caesar was to become an enemy of Rome, they would also.  The footsoldiers under command also showed the same dedication, saying that they wouldn't expect their regular pay, even offering to pay their own expenses for the long journey!  (Now THAT'S loyalty!)

History shows that the journey back to Rome was not easy.  Mountains were climbed, rivers crossed, and other perils stood in their path.  But the men were dedicated to Caesar and made the long trek.

As Caesar arrived at the Rubicon, he stopped.  On the other side was Italy.  Crossing the river would be seen as declaring war on Rome.  Caesar considered the fallout of his return, which would certainly put the Roman Empire into chaos for a very long time.

Caesar gave the order to cross the Rubicon without further hesitation, yelling "We have crossed the Rubicon!  There is no turning back!"

Word travelled quickly across the countryside and news made it to Rome.  In fact, the closer he got to Rome, the more the citizens cheered his arrival.

When they reached the gates of the great city, there was no opposition.  Pompey and his army retreated before Caesar arrived.

One could say that we, as Christ-followers, have crossed a Rubicon and cannot turn back.

Before we crossed, we were dead because of sin.
After, we were made alive in Christ.

Before, we lived under God's anger.
After, we were shown God's mercy and given salvation.

Before, we lived our lives in "the world," not knowing the God chose us.
After, we stand for Christ and truth.

Before, we were God's enemies.
After, we are God's children.

Before, we were enslaved by the evil one.
After, we are free in Christ to love, serve, and sit with him.

Before, we followed our own desires.
After, we have renewed minds, being raised up with Christ to glory.

If we call the Lord our master, he owns us and we are to do his will.  He chose us and there are others He has chosen - they may not know it yet!  A point in time was crossed and we never turn back.

Be sure to check back for "The Rubicon, Part 2" next week.