Wayne Weekly “Breaking the Breakwater Rules”
Written by Teddy on June 27, 2016
Isn’t it interesting that human beings have a propensity to “break the rules”. Well, from a theological standpoint we all know why, but that rebellion translates into small violations…not just big ones.
While on a recent day of R & R at Fair Haven Beach State Park, my daughter Jill and I decided to take a walk to the end of the “L” shaped pier/sea wall that separates Little Sodus Bay from Lake Ontario. I recall that not that many years ago some parts the concrete pier were almost impassable by foot, because it had fallen is such disrepair. But since that time major restoration work had been done, and now the walk is “smooth sailing”, if you will.
Painted on the concrete at fairly regular intervals are printed warnings of No Diving or Swimming. I will have to say that those words tease the rebellious spirit…especially on a hot day! As Jill and I walked we witnessed a number of generally young people challenging the “law” and diving into the alluring deep cool waters gently splashing against the jetty. The lake seemed to call out “come on in, I’m cool and refreshing and fun!”
The offenders were not without the need for lookouts. The park patrol cruised regularly down the channel and in the general area, hoping to discourage the violators, and if need be “bull horn a command” to get out of the water.
Breaking the rules on the breakwater can seem somewhat insignificant, but the rules are for a reason. They protect visitors from possibly harming themselves in a dive, or getting themselves in a perilous situation with no lifeguards on hand to help. What may be exciting and fun, can become tragic in only a moment.
Those warning signs remind me of what the Apostle Paul wrote to the Romans and the Galatians. We’re told why the Law was given, to whom, and for what divine purpose.
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced, and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. (Romans 3:19-20 NIV)
What shall we say then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” (Romans 7:7 NIV)
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24 KJV)
THE LAW:
- Brings the knowledge of sin.
- Stops the sinner’s mouth from justifying itself.
- Helps the world to realize that they are guilty.
- Acts as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
The next time we feel that “I want to break the rules” urge rising to the surface of our consciousness, remember that our natures are triggered by the knowledge of wrong and right behavior. The Law, though under the New Covenant we are not held captive by it, awakens our consciousness and demands a decision to obey or “just dive in”.
Oh yes, my walk with Jill. We made it to the end of the pier and sat down on the “light beacon” concrete platform for about ten minutes enjoying the beauty of Lake Ontario. We watched all kinds of boats and zooming jet skis enter the Little Sodus Bay channel. Our walk back was uneventful, other than a few souls making the plunge off the pier. We made it back to the picnic grounds…dry.
*European-American Evangelistic Crusades
