Tonight my wife and I were driving down Main St. in Nicholasville and we saw one of those cross carrying evangelists. As we drove by, my wife astutely observed, as only a journalist can, that on the bottom of his cross, the part that was dragging on the ground, there was a wheel bolted to make it easier for him to drag the cross behind him – or rather, roll behind him.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to be too cynical or anything. But if your goal is to emulate Jesus by carrying a cross across America, don’t you think you should do it like Jesus did?
I mean, let’s be serious – everyone knows Jesus didn’t mean to literally take up a cross and walk down I-70. But if you’re going to do it, if you’re going to take Him up on His challenge – go all the way, man, go all the way!
Here’s the thing – the Romans didn’t offer a wheel to help Jesus lug that freaking thing up Golgatha.
Bolting a wheel to your garage-made cross is CHEATING!
Jesus didn’t get a wheel, cheater!
Silliness aside, it really makes me wonder at the thought process behind putting something like this together…
To whom is guy communicating? The cross has no cultural significance to anyone outside the Church today (unlike 2,000 yrs ago when we would have said, ‘Oh dang, that dude’s about to get executed!’). Either he is talking to ‘cultural Christians’ or (mistakenly)thinks we’re still in a culture in which the Cross has some sort of relevance when it’s detached from Christian context.
And I would echo your question – what is the purpose of the wheel? Is he just trying to get around faster? To put on his display for more persons?
What a fun conversation to have. With him. I’m coming down!
Great post! Really enjoyed this one!
KL
I also saw a “Lazy Jesus” and called him out for not bearing the cross properly. Perhaps I should have scourged him for his effort.
I imagine Jesus heard those same type of comments from the Romans when he was under that Cross. You keep doing what God has called you to do. Keep putting miles on that Cross! God will never leave you or forsake you! I pray for you and your journey, if you reach 1 person with your ministry it will be worth it. We are truly living in the last days where christians will be put down and pursecuted but we must continue to deliver the message of the cross with love and compassion.