Have you seen the rainbows on the windows? What a wonderful symbol of hope. Colourful arches of brightness in these dark days. The fact that they're drawn by children adds to the hope. A reminder that there is a future. Things will get better.
After the rain...sunshine.
Rainbows make sense as a symbol of hope. But how can a cross, an ancient instrument of torture and death, be a symbol of hope? I would even go as far to say that it's not just a symbol of hope but the Ultimate Symbol of Hope.
In case we've forgotten the cross was a barbaric way to execute common criminals used by the Romans. It was so brutal it was never mentioned in polite conversation. Yet for centuries now it is seen as a powerful symbol of hope. It is found in churches, in graveyards and in songs. The hearts of refugees (and those in crisis) soar when they see the Red Cross. This would have been unimaginable to the soldiers that nailed Jesus to a cross. When did this transformation happen? Surprisingly, it happened when a carpenter from an insignificant village in a small occupied country died by crucifixion.
And now over 2000 years later his death brings us hope in our death. How? Because Jesus the Son of God stepped into our suffering. "he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone" Like everyone else who has ever lived, he breathed his last. Yet his death was like no one else who ever died. He rose from the dead.
After death...Life.
For those who trust in Him, their death will follow the same pattern. After death...Life.
The cross of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of Hope. Is it yours?
Click on the video below to hear how true hope works out. It's based on the story of Jesus arriving at a friend's funeral (John 11)
