This Exodus text combines divine and human burdens as a constant. We are meant to bear spiritual burdens that solemnize us, even while we enjoy the salvation of the Lord. The burden is to be borne constantly. There ought to be no release for the healthy and concerned Christian. We need to bear, principally to the points of prayer and witness, the lostness of mankind. Perhaps our present weakness is that we can’t manage the belief that we are under judgment. Our assuring peace in this is that God has provided an offering that ultimately attenuates negative evaluation.
The word symbol is a far more important word than we may imagine. God gives us numerous symbols so that we will not forget – not forget meaning and not forget that there is at least one real and vital issue related to that meaning. We have the symbols of communion in the bread and wine, the symbols of death and resurrection in the baptismal waters, of Christian marriage, of the cross, and others. Aaron was reminded in the symbol he bore over his heart of the dynamic meaning of God’s redemption in the symbolic offering of the blood of bulls, lambs, goats, rams, and doves. These offerings were, of course symbolic of the offering of the blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Symbolism is important for unchanging factors.
Aaron’s heart symbol fits into the course of the history of man’s salvation, in the live animal-symbols slain. Sin preceded salvation in time. The acknowledgment of the first is a key to the acceptance of the second. The constancy of the symbol prevented Aaron, and the people who understood the experience of Aaron, from forgetting the problem that had to be addressed – the burden of sin. Symbols help keep experience alive – experience good or ill.
We live by symbols. In my wallet there are several bills of legal tender. They are colored and bear the likenesses of some of the nation’s forefathers. The paper, and paper is what these bills are, is worth nothing. The denomination on each bill gives it significant value because somewhere the symbol is awarded reality. The symbol is backed by a valued promise of the government. Enough of these money symbols make life easy, pleasant and productive when used properly. The tiny cross on the lapel of my jacket is a symbol. It is a symbol of what? It is a symbol of the death of Jesus Christ, a muted message of something special. The symbol is really nothing except as it reflects meaning and authority. The death of Christ and his resurrection provide, for millions, the reality that the burden man bears over his heart has been lifted, a burden assumed by the person who has purchased it. It is common for some men and women, even gross entertainers, to wear chains with crosses on them. Do they understand the meaning? (I cringe for those who display the Cross of Christ without following its way.) That too is symbolic.
The symbol of life may also be the symbol of death. Moses’ serpent in the wilderness was a sign of death, which, even for Moses, became a life sign. We now see that symbol by and for physicians, representing healing. The symbol of death, lifted up, became the symbol of healing. Christians warm to the symbols of faith for salvation to life, as persons warm to symbols generally. We must choose our symbols, for mankind or God. They reveal us. Some symbolize right: some wrong. The Nazis chose the Swastika, but made the Jew wear the Star of David. A star meant for ideals was used as a sign of hatred. We see symbols in all of life. Choose well, and be clear of the meaning of your symbols. The Cross has been the universal symbol for Christians. We are sensitive about its misuse and misrepresentation.
*Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020