THE ANCIENT LANDMARK

“Do not remove the ANCIENT LANDMARK which your fathers have set” – Proverbs 22:28

Yesterday’s meditation on the ancient paths brings to mind THE ANCIENT LANDMARK: “Do not remove the ANCIENT LANDMARK which your fathers have set” (Pro.22:28). Jeremiah warned God’s people, “Stand in the ways and see, and ASK for the OLD PATHS, where the good WAY is, and WALK IN IT; then you will find REST for your souls” (Jer.6:16). Sadly, Israel didn’t take heed to divine warning, and they ended up in captivity. Here again, God’s Word warns against removing the ancient landmark which the fathers had set, drawing lessons from the old custom of erecting landmarks.

The ancient landmark refers to established beacons, borders or boundaries by which lands, estates, and inheritances, were marked, bounded, and distinguished; set by ancestors with their neighbours. In open field where property lines met, the ancient custom called for an upright stone, a pile of stones, or some other semi-permanent marker to identify the boundaries of adjoining fields. These markers would be used for identifying property, valuing an inheritance, and settling an estate. Profane men could easily move such markers in the darkness of the night to fraudulently increase their field incrementally.

God commands us to not steal (Exo.20:15). In fact, He condemns even desiring the property of others: “You shall not covet” (Exo.29:17a). To remove the landmark was contrary to the law, and carried a curse: “Cursed is the one who moves his neighbour’s landmark” (Dt.27:17a). It was a heinous crime, engaged in by those who had no regard to right and wrong (Job 24:2). Politically, landmarks have also been used to describe long-standing laws and customs; and theologically, doctrines and practices established by the early Church fathers, and founded on Christ and His apostles.

To walk with disregard for ancient landmarks is to live without godly principles; to give rein to the grossest transgressions; to be so abandoned to sinful vices and vile lusts as not to be contained within any bounds of civility and morality. God says concerning such rebellious people, “I will pour out My wrath on them like water” (Hos.5:10). This figuratively describes how God released floods of water to overflow their banks, sweep, and swallow the world of the ungodly in the days of Noah. Like the ancient landmark, God’s Ways are “set” ways. In a sense, God is “old-fashioned”! His Ways are infallible principles of right and  wrong. There are no grey areas of doubt or ambiguity as far as God’s Ways are concerned.

In practical daily living, this quaint proverb carries a sober warning for us to: never cheat or compromise in sneaky or subtle ways in any dealings; never defraud another person of their property; never alter or break covenants or commitments in which a party would suffer loss; and fulfil contractual details (vv.26-27). The Believer must be a person of his or her word, endeavouring to match or exceed others’ expectations. Brought into the realm of materialism, the love of money is the root of all evil (1Tim.6:10). Covetousness leads to compromise and corruption in a bid to steal from others (Exo.18:21; 1Sam.8:3; Mic.2:2). Godly persons are wise to learn contentment instead of succumbing to the temptation of deceit (1Tim.6: 6-9).

We are called to provide things honest in the sight of God and all men (2Cor.8:21). It would be better to suffer loss than to compromise the rights of others and offend God (1Cor.6: 6-8). 1 Pet 3:16-17 says, “Having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” Though men may not see our actions, God sees all things, and even weighs the motives (Pro.16:2). When it comes to the worship and service of God, we must respect the ancient landmarks of true doctrine and apostolic practice. We must stand, see, seek, and walk in the old paths and the good Way.

Beloved, are you a Defender of the ancient landmark, earnestly fighting for the Faith once delivered to the saints (Jd.1:3)?