Survey Says??

This past week I had the honor of leading a family through the funeral of a husband, father, and grandfather. The great news is that he was a man of faith and now is living in the moment where faith becomes sight… and what a great view… I can only imagine.

My direction this morning lies in his chosen profession. It’s foundational work for all of the other work that will take place after. A job where you get to be in the outdoors, a job of precision, a black and white job where interpretation is minimal and objective truth is the fruit of your labor. A job that creates relief for some, irritation for a few possibly, but clarity for all parties involved. This gentleman was a surveyor.

It’s a job I can really appreciate because it is about blind justice. He had no stake in the outcome, just went to great effort to discover points on a map and determine where the boundary line is. I think of the stakes in the ground on my property pictured above and know that someone took the time to map it out, be precise, offer a report.

It reminds me of old maps of the world. Maps where Europe, the Middle East and Africa look much like they do today. But America, South America and such are totally off. The frame of reference and familiarity with the actual were too low to get it right. It sometimes makes me wonder if my picture of God is more accurate or less so.

The Bible speaks about boundaries, mostly condemnations about moving the boundary stones; you know, cheating, lying, and stealing. Committing an injustice for purely selfish reasons is the only reason to move a stone so… “put that thing back where it came from, orrr, so help me, so help me!!” A few verses about the survey we live in…

Proverbs 15:25
The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but he sets the widow’s boundary
stones in place.

Psalm 16:5-6 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

Two things, God steps in and is our surveyor. God sets the boundary stones for the widow. The one who could be taken advantage of is under the protection of God. Good place to be. Second, wherever our boundary stones lie, they have fallen in pleasant places. Years of being a Youth Pastor meant years of kids saying things like, “As soon as I graduate, I’m outta here, I hate this place.” Having lived in enough places I know kids in the city are as bored as kids in the country, where you live determines little about what you make of it. Also it always seemed unfortunate for so many to live in a world where another world is better.

Today, as small as they are (stay at home order), God has deemed that my boundary stones have fallen in a good place (read that again if you need a little time to let it sink in!!). To be unaware or unwilling for that to be true is to somehow miss out on something God has ordained for me. Be in God’s pleasant place for you this and every day.

To surveyors out there, I appreciate what you do for us. The random markers I have found all throughout my wilderness adventures is a reminder of how far you’ve gone to map out the world. But to the Surveyor, God above, thanks for your work in my life and the blessing filled boundaries you have offered. Lead me to worship you in them, surely I am in a pleasant place.