Crashing Symbols 2

Air Jordan's.

MJ is said to be the best ever according to National Basketball Association historians, sports reporters and countless fans. Back in the day, Air Jordan's were reputed to be the Nike version of the ultimate BB sneaker on the planet. Hey, for $200.00 a pair, you could 'play like Mike'!

Sure you could. Right.

The Swoosh Logo combined with a silhouette of MJ does not mean you got game. It just means that you got credit or cash and can lace up some hoop shoes. I have seen wannabes wearing the Swoosh AND an MJ jersey too, and the best 'game' they had was back at the house on their PS 2.

It's pretend.

"For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but for us who are being saved, it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18

There are some who do not get it. They just cannot comprehend the God of the Universe choosing to divest Himself of glory to become a man...a man destined to be humiliated like a dog and executed like a guilty criminal. The Cross is foolishness, even retarded for those who choose not to contemplate the meaning of what Jesus did on that stake.

The Cross becomes foolish to the already cynic when 'Cross-Bearers' behave badly, act dumb, speak 'stupidly' and treat as casual its priceless meaning. Have you ever felt that way as metallic crosses hang from chains around Rocker's necks while lyrics are screamed of reckless lifestyles of personal, relational and political destruction? There's something really strange about that picture...but it happens all the time, every day...in Rockers and Rollers alike.

A jersey does not make you a stud. A mahogany desk does not make you an Executive. A title does not make you a leader. An sheep skin does not always make one smart. Baptism does not make you a Christian. Sitting in a pew does not make you a worshipper. Putting kittens in ovens does not make them muffins!

Symbols have meaning. Symbols illustrate substance. Symbols incite endearment, inspiration, loyalty and represent truth, fact and meaning. We empty symbols of meaning and erode their influence when make the symbol more than what God would ever intend for it to become to us. The symbol becomes an 'image' and that comes dangerously close to idolatry, a taboo of the first order according to The Book.

Remember the Cross today. Reflect upon its meaning. Consider what occurred on that Cross. The Cross is more than a fashion statement, or a common religious gesture. The Cross is a symbol of a sincere life change that God has provided that transforms your present and guarantees your future.

"God's grace through Jesus Christ has overflowed to the many!" Romans 5:15