Processions

A couple days ago, as I walked from my office to home, I almost felt like I was in a PARADE. Perhaps I should have counted how many times I waved as people in our community waved to me, honked, or gave me a thumbs up. Sometimes it was four or five cars in a row. I’ve become known as “The Walker” (stated in various forms including “Walking Man” by children at an elementary school I frequently walk past) and have appreciated the encouragement as well as the opportunity I’ve had to meet and talk with people I might never have had the opportunity to otherwise.

As I continued to walk toward home my mind continued to ponder the idea of PARADES and processions that take place for all kinds of purposes. Perhaps you will be a high school graduate this year and are looking forward to joining the procession with your class prior to receiving your diploma in front of family and friends. We may watch a PARADE go through the streets of our town and clap for PARADE entries we like and agree with while ignoring (and I’ve seen some even stand up and turn their back on) those of which we don’t agree. There are marches that take place for various causes which are applauded and supported by some while protested by others.

Is there a sense in which we could view life as being in a PARADE? Paul seems to have held such a perspective of life in this realm. As he was lead along in life, that procession was not viewed by all alike.

In view of the many challenges Paul faced for the cause of Christ, he wrote…
“For I think that God has EXHIBITED US APOSTLES AS LAST OF ALL, LIKE MEN SENTENCED TO DEATH, because we have become A SPECTACLE to the world, to angels, and to men.” ( 1 Corinthians 4:9 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads…
“But sometimes I think God has put us apostles on display, LIKE PRISONERS OF WAR AT THE END OF A VICTOR’S PARADE, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world -- to people and angels alike.” [NLT, © 1997, Tyndale House]

That doesn’t sound like the kind of procession in which we would necessarily choose to take part. However, note the perspective Paul presented in his second letter to the church at Corinth.

“(14) But THANKS BE TO GOD, WHO IN CHRIST ALWAYS LEADS US IN TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. (15) For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, (16) to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? (17) For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” ( 2 Corinthians 2:14-17 ESV)

Though the procession may not be viewed by all in this world alike, let us remember that God is the Judge to hand out the awards at the end of this PARADE. As we follow in the Will of Christ we are being led in a “TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION.” Even though we face various trials in this world, we can take heart because Jesus is the One Who has overcome the world. ( John 16:33) He is also the One Who sustains us to be overcomers and conquerors as well. (note Romans 8:37-39)

As we continue to walk on in life there may be some who cheer, wave, and encourage us on while others will sneer and turn their backs. Let us just be sure the PARADE in which we are participating is the one of which Jesus is the “Grand Marshall”. This is the one that ultimately leads to eternal victory.

Have a great day THANKFUL TO GOD FOR THE LEADING HE PROVIDES!
Carl

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