Glimpses of Truth

What’s Your Symbol?

I’ve been thinking about the cross on which Jesus was crucified.  It was a piece of wood.  Yet today people all over the world recognize the cross.  Some are believers and some are not.  Some wear it as jewelry, some tattoo it on their bodies.  Some are believers and some are not.  For some, it’s a symbol, a symbol of mercy (or humanitarianism, if you please).  It’s used to divide time: B.C. and A.D. 

It seems that all groups of people, religious or Christian, have something as their symbol.  (Think about it!)  As Christians, what do we think of our symbol?  Tim Lahaye said, “The cross highlights the most important event in all of human history by reminding us that God sent His only Son – Jesus the Messiah, who was born of a virgin so that He could be human without ruining His divine holiness – to willingly become sin for us that He might taste death for every man, even the death of the cross.”  Okay, stop here and re-read that quotation again.

Now, let’s continue.  This symbol of ours reminds us in a practical way that at one time all of us (even me) were hopelessly lost because of our sinful condition.  It reminds us that because of this helpless and hopeless state (because of) that God reached down and rescued us.  How?  It took place as He allowed His own Son to pay the penalty of our sin.

It happened on a cross.  That sacrifice paid a debt for us.  It was a debt which none of us would ever be able to pay.  It was the gift of His love, mercy, and grace.  It was God’s doing.  He did completely what we could never even begin.  “It is Finished.”  How do I know that?  Jesus did not stay on that cross.  Jesus did not remain in that tomb. 

The cross, this most popular symbol, reminds me, is a testimony of THE MOST IMPORTANT event in human history.

Yet, I understand that the early Christians did not use the cross as a symbol of their beliefs.  The early Church did not need to be reminded of Christ’s death and resurrection; that was the very core of their belief.  They were there to experience firsthand what had taken place.  But remember, symbols are often just that, and really can or cannot have any special meaning.  Some can wear a cross or make the sign of the cross and still live ungodly lives; it really has no impact at all on their lives.

If tradition is to be believed, Peter, who became a martyr for his convictions of serving Christ, requested to be crucified upside down, saying, “I am not worthy to be crucified in the same manner as my Lord.”

The message of the cross is always important.  Yet to some it’s foolishness.  But for those of us who are believers, we know it is the central message of the Church.  But more than that, it’s the only message of hope for sinful men and women, boys and girls.  Foolishness—yes, to some, but God’s transforming power to others.

It’s the power of God unto salvation.  This might be the day of your salvation.

There’s room at the Cross for a few more!