“Removing the Landmarks”

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark; I will pour out My wrath on them like water. (Hosea 5:10)

The removal of a neighbor’s landmark constituted trampling on the rights of others. "You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess”. (Deuteronomy 19:14) It was regarded as reckless and contemptible. In this context, Jewish nobles, and higher officials were guilty of this treachery. 

The people of Israel had also sinned. She had turned from God, and given themselves to the worship of idols. The prophets compared the sin to harlotry. (vs. 7) Israel was full of pride and vain confidence. She had abandoned the important landmarks of serving Jehovah and keeping his law.  Even today civil and religious leaders of our nation promote immorality in the name of tolerance and political correctness. Our national leaders have removed the boundary stones. They have broken down important moral guidelines, and the people have followed.

First, God's inspired word, the Bible, is God’s moral code of conduct. Because it comes from God, one cannot find a better moral compass. Sadly, the values of family, community, and personal moral behavior taught in the Bible were rejected even by some of America's founding fathers. 

But, an even more fundamental moral landmark is the existence of God himself. With the rise of industrialism in America, men decided that they alone could create a utopia here on earth, thus concluding they didn't need God. They decided that God was dead. God was gradually removed from every institution of our society – Government, schools, and churches.

The removal of these two important fundamentals, Scripture, and God, has led to an age of so-called tolerance. We live in a world where there are no longer distinct boundaries between right and wrong. We ask concerning certain worldly pleasures – "where is the harm"? Instead of asking – "where is the good"?

In the midst of such moral turmoil, God’s people must maintain a steadfast faith in the unseen Ruler. We must trust in God who shapes all events for His purpose. We must: “Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7)

By George Slover

Share