Skip to main content

The Electric Chair

A tool of corporal punishment. A means to an end. Punishment for wrong doing. Death.

In Florida and other states they used to call it "Old Sparky". It was used to complete the punishment of those sentenced by the courts to death.  For over 76 years it was the tool used to kill criminals in Florida.

The cross. A tool of corporal punishment. A means to and end. Punishment for wrong doing. Death.

In the Roman Empire crucifixion was the preferred means of punishment. A criminal was beaten then hung on the cross.  Hung by being nailed to the wood. The cross then erected for all to see. The criminal would be left there to bleed and suffocate to death. 

I'm not sure about you, but just the thought of the electric chair gives me the heebie-jeebies. If given the chance to simply sit in Old Sparky, I'm not sure I could muster the courage or would have any interest in doing so.  

I imagine the cross brought similar emotions to the people of Jesus' time. I can't imagine they wanted to even get close enough to touch one.  Legend tells of one stretch of Roman road that displayed the crucifixion of 6,000 slaves.  It sounds horrifying.

Can you imagine the image of electric chair being hung on a building or posted along the road for all to see? Can you imagine it being a signal of hope for the lost? Can you imagine it being a symbol of love?

The cross hangs over and on buildings across the globe.  People wear it as jewelery and profession of their faith.  Some choose to have it permanently displayed on their bodies as a tattoo. It may be the most commonly displayed emblem in the world

An image that once symbolized judgement and punishment now portrays forgiveness and love. A complete reversal. 

Are you questioning the power of Jesus? He has the power to take a tool meant for evil and use it as His platform to share hope, healing, and restoration. Take a look at your town.  Take a look at the number of crosses you see displayed.

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." - John 3:17‭-‬18 NIV

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Right In Front of Me

There is one character in the story of the night of Jesus' arrest that sticks out. He seems insignificant to what is happening. He’s almost an interruption in the story. He is only mentioned by name in one of the four gospels, even though the description of what occurred is in all four gospels.  Malchus is his name. He works for the people who want Jesus dead. His job, with his compadres, is to seize Jesus and bring him back to the high priest. There he would be subject to questioning, a trial of sorts.  As Malchus and his posse are approaching, Peter takes action to protect Jesus. “With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26:51). Jesus immediately tells Peter and the rest of his disciples to stop with the violence.  I wonder what Malchus thought at this point. I imagine his was in shock, I would guess he was surprised. He had just been attacked and surely is bleeding ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Glow Differently

I saw this quote recently, “You glow differently when your confidence is fueled by belief in yourself instead of validation from others.” I found myself wrestling with it. I completely agree with the concept that the validation of my worth is not established by the thoughts of others. While I think a positive self image is important, I do not think that it is what really makes me “glow differently.” I hope I glow differently because of whom I believe in, rather than what I believe of myself.  The author of Titus says, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7) . Love and kindness entered the world in the form of a m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Grits

This past Saturday I got the chance to catch up with my friend at breakfast. We connected months ago over grits, of all things. I learned he really didn't care for grits. Turns out his parents used to make him eat them quite often and in many forms. As he has grown older he's made the conscious decision, he's had enough grits for a lifetime. On the other hand, I really enjoy grits. They are a wonderful breakfast food with butter, salt, and pepper. For dinner, you can't beat some good shrimp and grits. I have a recipe for jambalaya grits that will put a smile on anyone's face. It is like jambalaya meets cheese grits. Yum! My friend and I joke about grits everytime we see each other. I offer him some and he politely refuses. Of course, I respect his wishes and don't give him any grits. How do you offer someone grits? Do you insist they eat and like them because you eat them? Do you put them on their plate anyway? Do you treat them differently bec...
Post a Comment
Read more