Daily Companion  |  4 April

“CROSSING THE RUBICON”

“No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62)

Julius Caesar was among the Roman Governors appointed over provinces across the world under the control of the Roman Empire. They also served as generals of the roman army within the province they govern. They are bound by Roman Law from Italy. The law specified that if any governor was to leave his provinces to hold a position in Rome, he must first disband his army. Otherwise, if a general enters Italy in command of his army, he and the soldiers will be considered a threat to the Roman state and guilty of treasonable felonies punishable by death!

So, in January 49 BC, Julius Caesar who was the governor over Gaul to Illyricum was ordered by the Roman government Senate to disband his army and return to Rome. But in defiance, Caesar approached Rome with his army. And on getting to the River Rubicon, he made a decision of no retreat, no surrender. Caesar's decision forced Pompey, Roman Empire Governor-General, and a large part of the Roman Senate to flee Rome and as he defeated and overthrew the Roman Empire . The Idiom “Crossing the Rubicon” was an allusion to this story which means “passing a point of no return.”

In a similar fashion, the kingdom of God only requires men and women whose hearts are fixed at winning; no quitter. Surrendering your life to Christ is a decision of total allegiance to the Heavenly Army of God and declaration of war against the army of Satan. 

There is always a temptation to quit at tough times or when the battle seems fierce. It is also common to occasionally have a quit feeling but it is a loser’s habit to eventually quit. The enemies within (self), sin and enemies without (satan) will need to be fought and won to become a new creature and get crowned. Friends and family may turn their back on you. But your decision must be to cross the rubicon; burn the bridge if need be. “The Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way” (Deuteronomy 17:16). Say No to backsliding. Have faith in God. “The just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrew 10:38).

You must identify a motivation to keep you advancing. To Caesar, it was a better and higher position of power, and he went for it. The heroes of faith “desire a better country, that is a heavenly. Choosing rather to suffer affliction… than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season…” (Hebrew 11:15-16,25). 

Beloved, don’t quit! He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). 

Today’s Recite: But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrew 10:39).

Today’s Morning Prayer: O Lord I thank You for making me a winner.  I receive the motivation to advance my vision and career in Jesus name. I refuse to quit. Give me Amen

Today’s Hymn: Higher Ground

Today’s ReadMe:  2 Samuel 12 - 14