I have been thinking alot about the Cross lately and the excessive and immeasurable lessons it holds. That such a violent device could hold so much knowledge, wisdom, life, and more importantly love, it is astounding.
As I have been thinking about this grotesque and beautiful gift five characteristics stand out in my mind. Five attributes which transfer well into a Kingdom life. In the Cross I see immovability, its drastic nature, its gruesomeness, its stark raw disposition, and its eternal embrace. It is these five keys, if you will, which may assist us to secure our life as disciples. To offer some assistance in our journey to the Heavenly Kingdom.
I want to offer here a simple set of words or a meditation if you like on some symbolism contained in the Cross and its application to a Kingdom stance. A way to stand on the Devil’s playground, amongst the shadows, amongst the fires, amongst the hate that consumes so much.
Let us first look at its immovability. This characteristic is key to any successful life of discipleship. To remain static in one spot til the work is complete. Standing tall, even as all of hell is poured out upon you, resting assured that God has our back. From a solid stance secure in our knowledge of Christ’s power and authority we shall not bow before the darkness which circles around before our eyes. While empty rage lashes at our flesh spewing empty threats we can smile and know we are safe. Safe in the Hands of God trusting fully in all His magnificent promises, provisions, and love.
The second reflection is the drastic
nature of the Cross. The force, the very power held within that set
of lumber is intense. There are not adequate words to express the act
of force leveled against evil by these blood stained posts. A force
we are entrusted to carry. A force we are asked to use against all
who come against God’s Kingdom. This drastic love filled power is
a weapon we are to wield against all principalities and powers which
dare to step against God’s will. A nuclear arsenal of love and service.
In short we have no deficit of power as we take up our positions in
this life. As we fulfill our respective calls within His will.
Number three is the gruesomeness of
the Cross. The cross is repugnant, it stands in the face of the status
quo and grins. Service and obedience to God can look very disgusting.
Washing the feet of a prostitute, holding the hands of heroin addict,
or wiping tears from a meth addicts face covered in seeping sores. These
are some of the horrors for which the Cross stands. To express love
even though the beauty of the created lies mired in the stuff of nightmares.
Additionally the Cross communicates the brutal nature of sin, evil,
and its associates. We must find the heart, the beauty, and the love
buried underneath the atrocities which devour Gods creation. The articulation
of love in a world of pain, brokenness, and wanderers is a great challenge
to all who answer the call. We are ugly and deformed at first glance
to many persons. Like the Cross we carry a gruesome reflection of death
and sin but we must let our light break through this filth. To use it
as a platform to bring the Good News to the world in which we stand.
My hope is so far I have not lost you as I ramble my thoughts out to those who have stumbled into my babble. Additionally I pray that it makes some sense to those who read this reflection and see some seeds of value as we move into the final two characteristics.
Let us now turn to the rawness of the tree. The frank nature of the Cross points out the violent brutality of the fallen self. To put it simply the Cross reminds me to be honest. Honest and visible to all, not assuming a processed, manufactured life but one of complete openness. We have nothing to hide nor lose. Standing tall, afraid of nothing but God. Sharing your life openly secure in the knowledge and trust of God’s gift.
“Now the easy one,” he says with a smirk on his face. The eternal embrace of the Cross standing with its arms spread inviting all to climb into Christ’s loving arms. A reminder to all that this Cross echoes the Greatest Commandments. Love God. Love everyone. Love yourself. We are reminded that our arms are to be open to anyone seeking love. The love of God through Christ and carried by the Spirit. The Gospel spelled out in a lower case t. Our lives framed in two pieces of timber.
Excellent reflections Ward. While reading your article the thought came to me that it is when we lose sight of the cross that we tend to get pulled away from our faith. At the core of our discipleship is this powerful symbol that stands opposite the System of a fallen world and our spiritual Enemy. Thank you for your reflections, which have helped me to, at least today, remember to bow low before the King and worship him and to recall what it means to follow him.
cheers,
eric
Posted by: Eric H Janzen | September 04, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Dear Ward,
i am certain that if i met face to face with you, i would find you a friend.
i have noticed your writings here a number of times.
i am the church, as much as one individual can be.
you are the church, as much as one individual can be.
i know there is good value in what you have to say, but when i read things that are written here i feel like you have something against me. like i have wronged you.
i feel like there is something simmering under the surface that is less than our Father intends.
there is healing that needs to come to me, so that i can hear what you intend.
and i think there is healing that needs to come to you so you can say fully what your Lord intends.
bless you friend! sincerely!
Posted by: anns | September 01, 2008 at 11:15 PM