The Cross and the City - I AM
Until Easter I will be reflecting in this space on the meaning of the cross in our city context, and invite your interaction. When the Apostle Paul came to the city of Corinth, he "resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." I don't know if this was his approach in every city, but I'd like to explore what this might mean. Nothing except the crucified Christ? Certainly he must have known many things in Corinth, but he resolved to know them only through the lens of the crucified Lord.
I can think of no better way to begin than with the very provocative image above. It is a watercolor titled "I AM," done by a close friend of mine, Sarah Brown, who is a high school senior. Sarah wrote me these notes on her piece:
Lately I’ve had a lot jumbled up in my head about Christianity. I’ve been wondering why our lives, as Christians, contradict the way Jesus lived his life. Why don’t we hang out with the prostitutes and tax collectors? Why is it ok for a lawyer in the congregation to get divorced, but not the pastor? Why is it unacceptable for a couple to have premarital sex, but acceptable for people to gossip about them?
My youth pastor made a comment one time that has stuck with me. “Jesus died for everyone. Even child molesters.” Through all the years of felt board stories, hymns, and sermons that had never registered the way it did at that moment. I guess when I thought “Jesus died for everyone” I was unconsciously picturing the balding heads in the pews around me. Certainly not the sick twisted people who would exploit an innocent child. Jesus’ sacrifice took on new meaning for me. He died for Hitler? Marilyn Manson? Wow. Then once that had sunk in, it hit me like a load of bricks. Not only did Jesus pay the price for what these people had done, in the eyes of God he became these people. The great I AM became the filth of the earth. Jesus the paradox.If Jesus had enough love to give his life for those people why is it so hard for us to love them? And in the end, sin is sin. A Sunday school teacher is equal to a mass murderer. I’m the same as that child molester because God has offered us the same love. That was hard for me to accept. Then I decided that the answer to all these questions is love. We are called to love like He does. Matthew 25:40 can be interpreted, “And the King will tell them, I assure you, when you [loved] one of the least of these my brothers and sisters you were [loving] me.” The old song says, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
We’ve got a lot of loving to catch up on, so let’s get started.
Sarah is one of a number of young, prophetic voices speaking into my life. Into yours too? Your take on her art and reflections?
Comments
Sarah, my name is on your artwork,in fact, more than once-thanks for putting the cross on there.
Posted by: Anonymous | February 15, 2006 09:54 AM
Scott,
What an insightful article. I got it off the Wes Roberts blog. It seems that from the mouths of children (teenagers) we will still be guided in our faith. However we have to be willing to listen, like you have. Thanks
Posted by: Mike Lundberg | February 15, 2006 04:19 PM
Scott...
This is it man, and I believe in it. It just hurts so much physically , emotionally, and psychologically to really live like this all the time non-stop, which is why it is so hard for many to truly embrace it at every turn. Apparently Christ did, and so shall I...even if that means it will hurt for the rest of my life...
Posted by: El Sam I Am | February 16, 2006 01:54 PM
Huh, is it so simplistic to break it down to Love!
Huh, Love is the answer.
Huh, it seams if it was so simple that we would have GOTTEN it by now!
My sin of control is no different of his sin of lust! I cause as much, if not more, pain as him or her! And my judgment hurts them more then I feel it!
Huh, it seems too simple, but I testify that today I heard his pain and mine seems so bleak, in comparison and my heart fills with love and compassion for them.
I am small and the God of Love is huge
Jesus may your Kingdom come!
Posted by: Matthew | February 17, 2006 06:47 PM
Sarah, this is both beautiful and painfully challenging.
Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts and your artwork.
Posted by: Rob | February 20, 2006 05:01 PM
Wow. How totally powerful! I have always known/believed this in the back of my mind that Jesus DID die for everyone. But seeing it like this is SO impacting to me. Definately challenging as well as said above. Thank you for sharing! Everyone can benefit from seeing this. We have definately got alot of loving to do as Christians!
Posted by: Gina | February 20, 2006 11:17 PM
Thank you, Scott, Sarah. This is so beautiful. And so true.
Posted by: Pearl | March 12, 2006 08:53 PM
thank you scott, sarah for sharing this very touching piece...it is powerful and i believe that it is what we should and been doing as a christian...to follow what Christ examples 2000 years ago...to love and love and just love others as they are...the AGAPE LOVE of Christ...that saves us all...the sinners...
Posted by: sarita | April 15, 2006 06:17 AM
looks great - sarah did a great job - much to think about.
Posted by: tall skinny kiwi | April 16, 2006 03:10 AM