The Old Rugged Cross--Kayla Gill
So I want to start by saying, despite what you all have told me, I'm pretty sure the reading, "Truth: Balade de Bon Conseil", is a foreign language. So, to be able to keep my sanity, I decided to not write on that considering I almost had a stroke trying to read it... However, the paper that caught my attention the most was, "The Dream of the Rood." I guess this story spoke to me because it was not unusual to me. With my dad being a pastor, I have pretty much heard a sermon on any topic you can think of. I remember one my dad gave when I was younger about worshipping the cross. I specifically remember this one because he spoke about cross necklaces and I happen to be wearing one that day. In this story, it talks about how the cross wanted no part in the crucifixion of Christ. It talked about how it was also God's creation that was being forced to kill him. It gives an outside view of what the cross was seeing that was similar to the other followers of Christ.
Now, of course, a cross is a tree and doesn't have actual feelings, but it gives an insight into the idea that creation mourned the death of Christ. Now, back to the sermon. Basically, the sermon talked about how people basically worshipped the cross. They saw it as a good thing and we had cross necklaces and pictures in our house like we are trying to cover the fact it was used to murder Jesus. Yes, Jesus had to die to save us for our sins, however, the death of our savior wasn't something that was celebrated. It was the resurrection. The cross is here to remind us of the pain that God went through because we are evil, wicked, and worthless without him. It is not to be worshipped like it is Jesus himself. Now, I am not saying that wearing cross jewelry is evil or wrong, but what I am saying is realize that this wasn't a happy time. Remember why you wear those necklaces. Because one man sacrificed his own life to cover your mistakes. It is the act that was harsh but created something beautiful. Glossing over this reality takes away the true sacrifice he made.
PS: I commented of Zane and Breanna's posts
Now, of course, a cross is a tree and doesn't have actual feelings, but it gives an insight into the idea that creation mourned the death of Christ. Now, back to the sermon. Basically, the sermon talked about how people basically worshipped the cross. They saw it as a good thing and we had cross necklaces and pictures in our house like we are trying to cover the fact it was used to murder Jesus. Yes, Jesus had to die to save us for our sins, however, the death of our savior wasn't something that was celebrated. It was the resurrection. The cross is here to remind us of the pain that God went through because we are evil, wicked, and worthless without him. It is not to be worshipped like it is Jesus himself. Now, I am not saying that wearing cross jewelry is evil or wrong, but what I am saying is realize that this wasn't a happy time. Remember why you wear those necklaces. Because one man sacrificed his own life to cover your mistakes. It is the act that was harsh but created something beautiful. Glossing over this reality takes away the true sacrifice he made.
PS: I commented of Zane and Breanna's posts
I really enjoyed your blog post, specifically when you talk about the cross necklace and what it represents -- that Jesus suffered for our sins and that he paid our debts. Many times the cross (and to a lesser extent the outline of the fish) has became a status symbol as if to 'prove' how Christian you are. That's not to say people should or shouldn't wear crosses, but many times people worship the idea of Christianity more than the God of Christianity, which can be seen sometimes by people wearing crosses but with little motivation to actually follow the word of God.
ReplyDelete