Late in September the warnings went out. Hurricane Helene was coming with full force. Predictions were increasingly dire, saying this could be the most devastating storm ever to hit northern Florida and southern Georgia. Experts warned that the impending storm surge would be “unsurvivable!” Residents living in the path of Helene should get out while it was still possible.
Jeremiah has a similar mission. Mighty Babylon is amassing its troops on the northern border of Israel, and it is only a matter of time before it invades. Jeremiah warns the people that this onslaught is “unsurvivable.” People should watch for warning flags to be flown, and when these flags appear, it is time for people to evacuate to the fortified cities.
In a way, our situation is not all that different. We too are buffeted by storms, by sin and death. We know that in the end these realities are “unsurvivable!” A prophet today is one who shows us the way out of sin and death and to eternal life. We have been given the cross as our certainty of new life. The old hymn says it best, “Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim.” Whenever we come face to face with our mortality, our finiteness, we can lift our eyes to the cross.
When Lutheran Church of Hope constructed its new worship center in 2009, the decision had to be made about installing a cross. Many modern churches today do not have a cross in front, they often look like warehouses or auditoriums. But Pastor Mike from the beginning said we are going to have a cross, and not any cross, but perhaps the largest cross we have ever seen. For worship is about lifting our eyes to the cross. No cross, no crown. The wondrous cross is our richest gain, and no storm can overwhelm us.
Questions for reflection:
- What are some storms that you are facing right now?
- Why is the cross such a powerful reminder of the love and grace of God?
- How do we lift high the cross in our own lives?