While ringing in the New Year, on the eve of Dec. 31st, what was spectacular?
Was it the countdown of the lights, fireworks, clinging of glasses toasting in 2013?
Was it the shouts in a room packed with people saying “Happy New Year”?
Often times well wishes of Happy New Year and blessings of this New Year is exchanged between family, friends and strangers.
My wish for 2013 New Year? To be spectacular!
Webster’s dictionary describes spectacular and the root forms as
something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining; especially: an eye-catching or dramatic public display. An elaborate, visually exciting show or event such as the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games. Often demonstrated by the circus or pageants...
Webster’s dictionary describes spectacular and the root forms as
something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining; especially: an eye-catching or dramatic public display. An elaborate, visually exciting show or event such as the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games. Often demonstrated by the circus or pageants...
What comes to my mind are the multiple Cirque de Soleil shows my
husband and I have seen. What a spectacle! Not your usually circus show but an
unforgettable experience at that . One year we were seated near the slim hidden
staircase observing every intricate detail of how they actually perform on
stage. We could see from the near stage in front of us to each beam at the very
top, transferring the dancers and acrobats in a 3-D type format. These same
seats were so very close and situated near the right side of the curtain,
valances and drapes. So in addition to seeing everything from the high places
on top, we also saw the entering and exiting of each performer with their
costumes and props…
All this was extra to what the average audience would see on stage, sitting in the mid section seats. Webster’s definition definitely applies here.
Events that are spectacular stay in your mind stand out as a display and exhibit itself to surpass the mind for all to see. These events are not easily forgotten but one that springs up in daily thought pattern as a remembrance of.
Paul, (the Apostle of Christ Jesus) speaks of a whole new
definition of spectacle. Not only does he speak of it but demonstrates it in
fullness. When writing to the church of Corinth, Paul clarifies, corrects and
warns against a severe err. Some people had swayed from the solid teachings of
Christ to a false divisive and puffed up way… very far from Christ and the
purpose of His crucifix.
In Paul’s quest of correction and as their earthy father of their faith in Christ, he lovingly defends the truth, saying, “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” I Corinthians 4
In Paul’s quest of correction and as their earthy father of their faith in Christ, he lovingly defends the truth, saying, “For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” I Corinthians 4
This also reminds me of the suffering of those in Hebrew 11: 38 which says “…of whom the world was not worthy...” He proceeds to differentiate between the fallacies of lifting up men by building up earthly fame within them and then compares it with the ones that suffer righteously by submitting to the true role of a servant. In the first group he characterizes the mindset as being puffed up, prideful, full of earthly wisdom and void of any type of growth spiritually.
In the second group, he describes those embracing a humbled life of a servant. “When reviled they bless and when being persecuted, they endure. Being defamed, they retreat.” Far from a life of earthy fame and glory. But as it is written “The servant is not above the Master.”
This is the spectacle in which Paul refers to. It is the spectacle of suffering righteously for Christ. It is displayed not only to men but to angels alike. It is on display for all to see as evidence, proof, and solicitation of whom he is in Christ and that he is declaring the truth of Christ. All sees the faithfulness of Paul’s sincere service to God and Pleading with them to come back, Paul preserves to convincing them of the sound, holy teaching of Christ and Him crucified and not yielding to the idolatry of lifting men with fame bowing down to them with false pretense being void of truth in multiple counts.
There is NO mistake about it. There is one Christ. There is one crucifixion.
There is one event solidifying the long awaited promise of man being reconciled once again to God…that leads to salvation and life eternally.
A human cannot and never will fulfill that promise. Only One, born of a virgin birth was ordained as the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is higher than all mankind, holier than mankind because of His very nature.
He does not stand in a row amongst many teachers throughout history and religions.
He stands alone, He stands higher, He stands holy and He stands humble…humble enough to offer equity at the cross to all who believe and follow Christ.
This is the spectacle which Christ displayed. This is the spectacle that Paul displayed.
May this be the spectacle I display. And I pray that you display the same spectacle of Christ also as a believer and follower of Him.
© Copyright 2012 Simone Lake. All Rights Reserved.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Articles: The Rim Review: Firm Foundation, first Wednesday of the month. Archive online
• Teachings: Feb. 2013 - Spiritual Discipline Courses - Phoenix Seminary’s Center for Women with Vision, www.ps.edu/. Certificate available upon completion of courses.
• Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary-Women’s Leadership Consultation –Feb. 2013
• Prayer Teaching, April 2013
About the author
Simone Lake has a variety of areas where she serves, because of this, she describes herself as a minister, an ambassador of God, always willing to go where He sends her and minister to others. She is a pastor’s wife, Bible teacher, author and conference speaker (both in the U.S. and internationally). Founder of Deep Roots in Christ Ministries (based on Jer. 17:7-8), she teaches spiritual discipline courses, writes devotional articles, is a short-term missionary, prayer coordinator and chaplain. She graduated from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in theological studies (MTS). Simone serves in various areas at Church on Randall Place as well as her associational and state church denomination. Simone and her husband, Pastor John Lake, enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking the Grand Canyon, mountain bike riding and walking their border collie, Scout.
To find out more about Simone’s teachings, videos, speaking engagements and writings, e-mail her at deeprootsinchrist@hotmail.com or go to:
