Raising The Flag

This past week on the 23rd marked the 65th year remembrance of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima. Immortalized by combat photographer, Joe Rosenthal, this actual second raising of the flag captured the heart of the struggle against Japan and underscored our nation’s resilience and persistence. A foreign flag had not been raised on Japanese soil in over 1000 years. Of the seven involved in planting the flag only three (Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes and John “Doc” Bradley) survived the battle to come home. This heroic but tragic story of the toll of war is captured in the film and book entitled, “Flags of Our Fathers.” Rosenthal who created the iconic photo of the event received a Pulitzer Prize. Very few are unfamiliar with the dramatic and poignant poise of these soldiers struggling to raise the American flag signaling victory and valor. This photo is part of our historical conscience and a reminder that victory always comes with a cost!

A prominent theme in John’s gospel is that the Son of Man would be lifted up (John 3:14; 8:28; 12:32,34). Jesus most profound declaration being, “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” Like the flag of salvation’s victory Jesus held suspended between heaven and earth by the cross reveals God’s grace and unshakeable plan of redemption! Jesus earlier compares it to the brass snake that was raised to heal the children of Israel in the wilderness. Healing, redemption and reconciliation procured in the most unsuspecting flag of victory… a cross! No combat photographer was there to capture the moment on film but the witness of four gospels and countless lives have made the cross a part of our historical conscience and reminder that victory always comes with a cost!

Now, if the cross is a greater icon than the flag rising on Iwo Jima, then what is the challenge of the cross? Is it mandatory decoration and accessory? Is it hallowed and sacred art to be regaled by master artisans? Or is it as Scripture plainly reveals (1 Corinthians 1:18; Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:13-15) that which shapes our lives and impales our hearts with a never-to-forget consciousness of our sinful ways? The cross is more than iconic it is divine irony that draws us to Jesus. The once heinous emblem of Roman tyranny and torture is now the image of victory and redemption. The cross is no longer the harbinger of pain, fear and defeat but now raised high it is the banner of the Christian faith and the undeniable sign that God reigns in a fallen world! -DAN