The Thin Red Line
“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood…” (Romans 5:9) Last week, I suffered a mild heart attack. It was a journey that lasted for five days. However, something occurred during my stay at the hospital that brought to my mind the clear direction that God has given us through Christ.
As I arrived at the hospital, there were different colored lines painted on the floor. Every so often there were signs that said to follow the red line to the emergency room. It was easy to follow and the pathway was marked clearly and consistently. Even an old country boy like myself could not make a mess out of those directions. Along the red painted path I traveled, until I entered the ER and found that one of Quitman’s own, Dr. Kim McDonald, had seen my name come up on the check-in list and ran into my room to offer his care and expertise. What a great moment to see a friendly face. With his quick and competent action, and his attention to detail, the care I was needing came my way. Thanks to the Lord for having the right people at the right time to administer the right care.
As I thought about that entrance into the health care facility, it reminded me of the care of the gospel for the ills of humanity. Down through history, from the Old Testament prophets and the sacrifice of the Christian faithful, we have a clearly painted red line to point us to the place to find care for our soul—our spiritual heart. The Lord meets us in our time of need. As we follow the message of the gospel, from an lowly manger to the cross upon Calvary’s hill, we find the great physician waiting for us. Jesus alone offers us freedom from our sin, our failures, and our fears.
Do you have a broken heart? Has sin trapped you into a downward spiral of condemnation and guilt? Is loneliness covering you like wet leaves on a foggy morning? Follow the directions of those who have gone before us. That is, the testimony of those who witnessed the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Their story is not one of fanciful make-believe, or crafty lies. Instead, they were willing to die because of their testimony. They stood so firmly on the truth of the message that even the threat of great persecution could not sway them from it.
Through the truth of Scriptures, God has painted a line for us to follow. It is painted by the blood of His only begotten Son. If we look for truth and desire redemption from our failures and guilt, we will discover that Jesus has the answers we long for. Behind the door God’s spiritual emergency room, Jesus stands waiting for us and looking for our name to show up on the check-in register. All we have to do is follow… the Thin Red Line!
