A Flag and Banner to Wave
I have noticed while traveling in Central America, North America, Europe, and Africa there is a universal language in signage. The road and traffic signs communicate the same message, though the words may be different. For example, the red octagonal shaped sign means stop. An orange rectangular sign means construction, and a yellow triangle, trimmed with black or red, means yield. This is a good example of humans working together to prevent harm and encourage harmony and safety. Though all drivers are taught the meaning of these signs, it is vital in order for them to be effective, that all drivers pay attention and actually obey them.
I have noticed that stoplights, when ignored, create confusion and cause anger and serious injury. In some places additional communication between drivers is the use of a horn. In Freetown, for example the sound of horns is prominent. A driver can mysteriously tell the difference between a “beep” and “peep, peep” or a beeeep”. One apparently means, “I am here”. Another, “I am coming thru”, or “get out of my way!” But in a distant city, the sound of a horn may communicate anger, or “hello”. The message is determined by the local habits and customs, and these are inconsistent and often thought of as strange by a visitor.
I recently heard of a tragic accident that took the lives of 5 family members and left others injured for life. It was determined that the cause of the horrible accident was a traffic sign had been distorted, damaged in such a way that it’s message was confusing, resulting in tragedy.
The Bible says that God has given us signs for our journey through life. He has given us the 10 commandments, written on our hearts so that we all have common knowledge of what is right. We all know innately that life is sacred. Every society forbids murder. The God who created us and all things has spoken. He clearly shows himself as dependable, trustworthy and kind, worthy of obeying. When we protect life all lives are benefited
As an example of God’s universal love for all humankind, he said he placed the rainbow in the sky, for all time, and for all to see. It would be a promise to never destroy the entire earth again, with a flood. Every time you see a rainbow in the sky, it is God talking. It’s the same message throughout the earth, “God keeps his word, and he will not destroy the entire earth with a flood, even when its wickedness offends his holiness.”
The rainbow reminds us that God keeps his word. God is faithful. He will not lie. Though he is gracious he remains just. Sin and injustice still offend him. When a traffic sign is misused, misplaced, or disfigured in such a way as to cause confusion to the traveler, tragedy strikes. The suffering reaches far into the community. The placing of a cross on a necklace and worn about the neck while abusing one’s child or spouse is a gross distortion of its proper meaning. It gives a false thought subtle message that must be rejected. When we take an oath and place our hand upon the Holy book and then color our testimony to be less damaging we will in the end bring harm on many. Waving a rainbow on a stick claiming something God has denounced to be healthy will bring hurt to our society. Recently at the Paris Olympics, a treasured symbol of billions of people was turned into a vulgar display in the name of unity. The distorted sign brings tragic hurt and its offensive consequences plants seeds of mistrust and division with far reaching consequences.
God, wants us to know that he is a covenant making and promise keeping God. His signs are for our encouragement to follow and obey the signs and instructions he has provided us for a meaningful life. His commands are not harsh or limiting as some might say, but carefully designed instructions by the manufacturer to insure the traveler through this life how to live with joy, purpose and blessing. Solomon the wise king of long ago, though himself slow to learn, finally wrote what took him to long to learn, “his banner over me is love.”. Under his banner you will find all you truly seek
Thanks for listening.