In January of 49 B.C., the history pages record a timeless event, that would forever change the course of the Roman world. With various men rising to power and seeking glory, it was a battle for authority and dominion. One man would prove to rise to supremacy and forever change the course of an empire. Julius Caesar, destined for greatness, was a man of war and was never satisfied with his power. The blood flowing through his veins wanted more. It was then on a cold day in January, he made a single decision, which would prove to be irrevocable. History say’s he led an army from the ancient region of Gaul and into the valley leading into Rome. As he stopped his horse at the northern end of the bridge, he knew that by crossing the Rubicon River, he was declaring himself an enemy to the state of Rome, thereby declaring war. He avowed, “Even yet we may drawback, but once cross yon little bridge, and the whole issue is with the sword.” Julius Caesar proved to be victorious that day, and went on to create what we know as the Roman Empire. Yet, by crossing, it began the steady decline and destruction of that same empire. The glory of success became lost in the eternal echo of their demise.

When reading the history books, Caesar’s decision created an adage that’s echoed down the sands of time even today — “Crossing the Rubicon’s of life.” It’s simply the point of no return. If we look over the course of humanity, we will find graves full of men who crossed Rubicon’s. Prisons are full of men who crossed Rubicon Valley’s. Marriages destroyed, and even churches that once burned bright, have lost their candlestick because someone crossed the Rubicon River.

Men, in their quest for significance and prestige, walk on dangerous grounds when encountering uncharted territories. In our desire for greatness, we sometimes push beyond the leading of the Lord and begin walking without a lamp unto our feet. As David understood, “The steps of a [good] man are ordered of the Lord.” It is a great comfort to know that as long as we are walking in step with the Spirit, God is leading the way.

The danger is in not realizing when the Will of God part ways with he will of man, and we continue on our journey. As scripture echoes the tragedies of men down the corridors of time, we must stop and ponder on men such as King Saul and mighty Samson. Both men were called of God, and filled with His Spirit. Both men were destined for greatness and dominion. They were mighty men called for the need of the hour. Yet, these strong men deceived themselves into believing they could cross Rubicon Rivers in their life, and simply return to the graces of God. Unbeknown to both men, somewhere, somehow, they allowed the Spirit of the Lord to leave them, and yet they continued on their way. Surely, somewhere inside of these great men, there was a cry echoing to turn around, and head back to where they left God. Yet, one man’s self-will drove him to spiritual suicide. The other, led him to laying his head on the lap of the enemy. What sobering reminders for us today.

Some know that deep within they have diverged from the leading of the Spirit in crossing the Rubicon’s of their own life. Yet, self-will and stubborn pride, have driven them across the banks and into a land which has the potential to destroy them. Even if they navigate the waters successfully, the terrain of the land on the other side reveals just how wrong the decision to cross actually was.

Historians say that as Julius Caesar stopped his army just before crossing, he sat there contemplating the implications, and proceeded to quote from a play by Menander to say, “anerriphtho kybos!” or “let the die be cast” in Greek. But what kind of die was Caesar casting and what decision was he making? We role the dice when we fail to be men led by God. Great men know an essential element for life. As Peter T. Forsythe said, “The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master.” Once you find your Master, Jesus Christ, you will find your freedom; “therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8: 36).

As Moses looked out and saw The Rubicon River called Canaan, he understood perhaps the most essential element in living life: Jehovah must be the one leading the way.

“Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation [is] thy people. And he said, My presence shall go [with thee], and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not [with me], carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? [is it] not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that [are] upon the face of the earth. And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” Exodus 33:13-17 (KJV)

Moses understood, what good would the blessings of Canaan be, without the blesser? What good would the milk and honey be without the glory and presence of God? Because of Israel’s stubborn self-will, God had earlier said He would send His angel to lead them into the Promised Land, but Moses wasn’t satisfied with an angel, he wanted God Himself to go before them.

There in lies the most critical juncture in our walk with God: When we cross uncharted territories, and move in different seasons of our life, who’s going with us? Are we willing to risk our families for the sake of prosperity? Some men will uproot their families for a six figure job, and exchange it for the peace and covering of a good church and a praying pastor that preaches truth. Some men in their quest for greatness, will abandon the ways of Truth for the sake of a larger congregation. What good is a large building for people to gather in, without the favor and shekinah glory of God leading us?

Men, we must ask the sobering question to ourselves; what good is life itself without God leading the way? In the many truths I’ve learned from my Pastor, Kenneth Carpenter, among them are the desperate need for all men to live a life surrendered to the Lord, the ability of hearing His voice, and the determination to walk in His statutes. All else becomes in vain if God is not building our house.

Who’s building our house, and who is leading the helm of our ship today? God indeed has Rubicon’s waiting for us — mountains to be conquered, and hells army to be fought. Our Families and Churches are in desperate need for us to be Spirit filled and Spirit led men. We are called to be Kingdom Men – led by the king of kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.