Honestly, I think it is a good question. I personally do not want to see my parents or any member of my family hanging from a cross everyday. I think others may agree ... Right! It will be just terrible and I could just imagine the pain, anguish and emotions that will follow. But on reflection, I would ask how did they end up there? What was the reason? What was the cause? What was their journey ? The answer surely will have an impact on my behavior and attitude afterwards. I don't really like going to funerals, but when I do the sermons are so spot on. What I observe sometimes at funerals are people wearing jerseys with the deceased face on them, some may wear their uniforms or some may have symbols that honor that person who had passed on. In fact, people display different forms of symbols and signs to highlight a particular plight or cause. Example, pink ribbons highlights cancer awareness as well as a puzzle symbol for Autism. So what is so different when you wear a cross? What is the big fuss about?
The cross is also a symbol. It is a sign I believe for our generation. A sign to remind us what the Lord has done. A sign of Yahweh's love for us. John 3:16..." For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Peter tried to make Jesus abandon the way of the cross, but Jesus rebuked him by saying "get behind me Satan" Matthew 16:23. In fact he said to be a true follower of him we must deny ourselves and take up our own cross Matthew 16:24. Jesus knew, but was willing to carry and endure the passion of the cross. He was willing to die for us on the cross. It was the plan of the Father to bring his people back to him. It is a sign for our personal salvation. A reminder of Yahweh love of the world. A sign that he care for us. A symbol that he when the pharisees asked him for a sign ,he said look at the sign of Jonah. Matthew 12:38–41
To wear a crucifix is a personal choice. Some wear it for style, others to show they belong to a certain denomination, some to present themselves as religious and others to enhance their personal walk with Christ. It can be argued that the man on the cross is not the real Jesus or it is just a thing created by someone. It is true,but that is if you place all your thoughts on the physical and worship the object instead of focusing on the spiritual meaning of the cross. We are all visual people and many use signs and symbols to enhance their faith. Therefore, I do not see a problem wearing one or having a crucifix in our place of worship. In the book of Ezekiel: 42-43: the prophet gives descriptions of many imagery and symbols used in the temple, but it all points to the glory of God and not to the images themselves. The point is not to become obsessed with the physical cross instead of focusing on Jesus.
The cross is a powerful symbol and it should be used to remind us about the journey of Jesus Christ and the great sacrifice he made for us. It is to symbolize that our sins were nailed on the cross, buried with Christ and we are renewed through the resurrection. The choice is personal, it all comes down to the perception of mind that determines one's religion. I believe it brings no justice to criticises a person who choose to wear a cross.Instead, pray that such person understand the journey of Christ and be transformed by the cross.
2 Corinthians 4:10 -We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
Christ the image of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4
Comments
Post a Comment