When you hear the word ‘Symbology’ or ‘Symbolism’, what comes to mind?
Do you have a favorite symbol you admire or cherish? Something that represents who you are?
One iconic symbol we use in America is our flag.
13 horizontal stripes representing the original 13 Colonies of our country, each white star for each state of the union. Seven red stripes symbolizes hardiness and valor and the white stripes for purity and innocence and finally the blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
How about the West Virginia State Flag?
Along with the motto, 'Montani Semper Liberi' (Mountaineers Are Always Free), the stone on the flag is the date the State was admitted to the Union, June 20, 1863. The farmer with his ax represents agriculture, and the miner holding his pick represents industry. In front of the rock are two rifles, crossed and surmounted at the place of contact by the Phrygian cap, or cap of liberty, indicating that freedom and liberty were won and will be maintained by the force of arms.
Another symboloic realm that is very popular is heraldry. Family Coat of Arms.
Or how about your favorite color?
When you have something that is your favorite icon to display, you are pleased, reminense, even excited about it which results in sustaining who you are in what the symbol is suppose to represent in you!
Coat of arms for example is a principal part of a system of hereditary dating back to early medieval Europe, used primarily to establish identity in battle. Arms evolved to denote family descent, adoption, alliance, property ownership, and, eventually, profession. So there was a significant purpose designed for a iconic symbol.
How about the STOP sign! No U-Turn Sign, Interstate 81 Sign and so much more. Each of these when first looked at, immediately spark an identification of what it means and represents. The world we live in marks a host of iconic symbols that shine brightly in homes, cities, states and religious affiliations.
Have we thought or regarded just how important the symbol of the Christian faith is amongst the thousands of other iconic spectrums exists? What sets the Cross apart from others in our lives? Should we regard it?
One element of misconception is what the world teaches, we each should represent ourselves fully, and anything else isn’t as important as yourself! What I have to say to that is ‘What a CROCK!’
We also are taught in the worldly system not only what to believe but how to believe in it! Look at television! Children from generation to generation including ourselves, when you watch or even hear on the radio an ad or something that sparks your interests, what comes to a childs mind is to mimic that, and when it is repeated, it becomes part of who they are! Doesn’t that sound familiar? One parent will say ‘Where in the world did you pick that word up at?’
You don’t have to think too hard!
All something has to do is start off with a small idea, and grow from that. Much like our walk with Christ. Someone or something sparks your interest by starting with a idea and it grows!
When we look at the iconic symbol of the Cross, the OLD RUGGED CROSS, for many around the world, that is the most Holy symbol amongst all who believe, or it should be! I know several people that started their journey with Christ by mere curiosity. Others was forced to go to church as a child, and someothers accidently fell into the hands of God by means they did not expect.
Much like the church! It’s a iconic symbol where to worship and fellowship before God.
The Cross for those who believe and have faith in Christ, is more than a figure, icon made of wood, metal or other materials. It represents who we are as redeemed sinners amongst a fallen world. That’s why the Word of the Cross is so vital. What is the Word of the Cross? Lets look into it.
So The gospel of John shows us a glimpse of Jesus we haven’t really seen or heard much about. He justly lashes out, poured out money from their containers, turned over tables and drove out those sacrificial doves, sheep and cattle and told them to ‘stop making my fathers house a market place.’ Gospel of Matthew tells states Jesus said ‘It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves.’ Jesus quoted Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11!
WOW! An exciting day for them!
So over a period of time, Gods house of prayer, was toned down for those that feel uncomfortable sitting in the pew. For this instance of Jesus cleansing the temple, remember it was very important that sacrifices was made to atone for sins period! That is a must!
What changed? Did God change his viewpoint? Did God make an exception to the rules?
Friends, mankind altered, changed, modified the method or way we regard Gods house of prayer!
Those that entered the temple to worship God entered with an intent to fulfill their purpose and desire, but willingly set their heart apart to purchase another sacrificial atonement yet their heart wasn’t truly cleansed! Its like going through the motions, but absolutely NOTHING changes for yourselves!
When we ‘miss’ the deeper meaning of Gods house from a fleshly human perspective, we tend to fall short spiritually just as quickly!
Scripture tells us ‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
In thinking about ‘Word of the Cross’, I can’t help but to be reminded what the Cross truly means to me!
Friends, as we continue our journey into Lent towards Easter, think about the symbol of the Cross!
The way to the Cross is not a product of human wisdom. Rather a quest for the meaning of life and for God. Our mortal minds can ‘NEVER’ fully comprehend or conceal Gods wonder and Love!
Can you think back, to the very first time you heard the story of Jesus and the resurrection? For some as a child, it was a story told over and over again until a ‘ureka’ moment happened that you got it! For others, it was a spectacle of weakness or a tragic pitiful event! How can a man put his trust in a God who reveals his power in such a display as nailing a man to a cross after being tortured in more ways than one?
As you grow friends in learning more and more about God, you learn the Cross was the ONLY WAY to fulfill Gods plan and purpose for completeness.
Gods glorious meekness and wondorous Love for all mankind was put on and through the Cross!
The words of the Cross can not be escaped! ‘Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.’
We can barricade ourselves in our homes, put walls up all around us to hide it, but Christ will continue to wait, knock and plead for you!
The words of the Cross is to use weakness and the foolish to highlight his superior strength. ‘When I am weak, he is strong.’
The words of the Cross capitalizes the S in salvation that all who believe and have faith will be saved. ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that who so ever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.’
When we build our Christian character, that means two things.
One, concentrating on Gods will and Second revealing himself through Christs purpose.
The word of the Cross friends has wisdom and power of its own.
Mercy, Grace, Love, Peace, Joy, Life, Salvation, Wisdom, Peace, just to name a few!
IN closing friends, the Symbol of the CROSS should shine brightly where ever it is!
It should always represent the best in us even when we fail!
It should always glorify God in every aspect of our lives even when we don’t do enough!
Learning of God’s love is not a college class you take and learn from. Its learnt through prayer, studying Gods word and even through our Journey of life!
Each of us is to seek, ask and knock for Gods help and guidance. And always remember, “When he was on the Cross, You was on his mind!”
In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!