Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Cross (as in the Cross of Christ) (08/17/06)
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TITLE: Shame, Salvation & Style | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anthony David
08/18/06 -
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The little boy Nathan stood transfixed. He was as usual full of questions. He asked, “What are those figures on yonder hill?”
“Son, they are crosses.” Said his father guiding the donkey on which the boy sat astride.
“Father, what is a cross?” asked the son.
“The cross is just two pieces of wood, son. The Romans nail them together and use them. They execute hardened criminals on such crosses. Today the cross is a symbol of shame and judgment all over the world.”
“So over there father, are criminals, being killed!” exclaimed the son as he averted his gaze. “Let us not go there father, I want to go far away from the cross.”
“Don’t worry son,” the father replied as he gently and skillfully led the donkey away. “We are going to grandfather’s house in Jerusalem. There will be no crosses there.”
So the little company father, son and the donkey quickened their pace and hurried off.
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The sun hid somewhere. The darkness blinded the people, at noontime. “Is it afternoon or night now?” Folk wondered as they stumbled on the hill.
“Father, why is it so dark so early?” asked Nathan as he clutched his father’s robe. His father bent down to hold Nathan tight, “Don’t worry son. I am with you.”
“I see three crosses over there on the hill top, father. Who are those criminals?”
“Son, only two of them are criminals. One is the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the most righteous of all men.”
“What does righteous mean father?” persisted Nathan.
“He has done nothing wrong, son.” He said
“Then, why is he on the cross, father?” Nathan asked.
“Well, I am not sure son. He is being crucified as he was too good for the religious leaders. That’s what people say. But look hold me tight it’s getting darker.”
“Yes, father. I am feeling frightened.” cried Nathan, as he clutched on to his father.
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The cross gleamed on the beautiful cathedral. Little Nicole was walking up the path as he asked her mum, “What is that, standing tall on the Church, mother?”
“Oh, that is the cross, darling. It’s where our dear Lord Jesus Christ died on Good Friday”
“Why did he die?” lisped Nicole.
“He died for our sake. To take away our sin.” replied her mum.
“Is it so, mother? Then the cross is something lovely. Can I have a little cross to hang around my neck?”
“Sure, little darling.” said her mother, picking her up and kissing her.
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“Hi there man! How come you got a little thingamabob hanging round your neck? It looks new. What on earth is it?” asked Ram.
Bill adjusted his earring and replied, “Well Ram, it’s called a Cross. Man, it’s the in thing now. Its real fun and cooooool! I saw it on the other night on one of the guys in the live band, the drummer I think. So I went and got myself one. Do you want one?”
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The cross – across the ages. Once a symbol of shame and suffering, of punishment and pain.
It then became the site for the most important sacrifice of all time and space – the offering of the only sinless man. The central event in the salvation history of all mankind
Today it is a fashion accessory for some, a piece of junk jewellery. Is it only that?
The old rugged cross is a symbol of relationships too. The vertical beam for the relationship between God and man. The horizontal beam for the relationship between man and man.
On the whole the cross stands as a figure with open arms, inviting to hug men and women. Welcoming us all to come.
CROSS: The Central Road Of Salvation and Sanctification!
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