Thoughts of “boundaries” have been on my mind in recent days most probably germinated by all the conversation, chaos and consternation over the US southern border and the world-wide refugee crisis.

My first thought goes to Deuteronomy (32:8) where God says He set the boundaries of nations according to the number and nature of the people who inhabit them.

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary describes “boundary” as this:

  • : something (such as a river, a fence, or an imaginary line) that shows where an area ends and another area begins
  • : a point or limit that indicates where two things become different
  • boundaries: unofficial rules about what should not be done : limits that define acceptable behavior

God’s definition of “boundary” is something much more “official” than Merriam’s!. He is always careful to delineate what is “acceptable” behavior. His lines are not “imaginary” although they may not always be visible.

I think Merriam may have had God’s intent in mind though when saying that a “boundary” indicates where two things become different. Perhaps that has something to do with the identity and purpose God has for different nations. However, that subject is for another time.

Why boundaries? Are boundaries limited to nations? No, of course not. All people are subject to boundaries of some sort. It is when individual people (and in greater numbers/measure, nations) forget or “cross” boundaries that “trouble” ensues.

Does that mean we cannot cross state lines to shop; hop a plane to another nation to visit? No. Boundaries are for the individual and corporate good. Boundaries are to guide, protect, give direction and settle disputes. Our earliest boundaries are set by our parents and, usually, also conform to some level of (our own ethnic/national) societal norms. So, personal and corporate boundaries establish behavior from our earliest days.

The Bible (Prov. 22:28, Prov. 23:10, Deut. 19:14) also instructs us to, “…DO NOT move an ancient boundary…” This shows respect, not only for the boundaries set by God but by our fellow inhabitants of the globe within regions and nations. This, again, leads to and maintains balance and peace.

Interestingly, (it should excite/inspire us) we are also told that boundaries can be stretched or enlarged. (Is. 54:2, I Chron. 4:10, Deut. 19:8, Is 26:15)) My read on this is that it pertains to God-given opportunity to increase our own spheres of influence/wealth (ultimately for the sake of the Kingdom, at the time and in the manner God prescribes) and not the overthrow of other individual or national boundaries.

So, God-given “boundaries” of all kinds are for the individual, corporate and national GOOD!

SELAH

Mary