By Todd E. Brady
Vice president for university ministries, Union University, Jackson
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. It’s not. Some think that meaning is determined by the one who looks at the picture. It’s not. A picture is worth the number of words intended by the author who painted it. The meaning of a picture is not determined by the viewer. For the written word, meaning is not determined the reader. Instead, the meaning of a sentence is determined by the author. When meaning becomes untethered from the one who originated a particular work, watch out; it will often take on a “meaning” of its own—meaning whatever somebody may want it to mean.
The Order of St. Michael and St. George is personally awarded by the Queen of England to ambassadors, diplomats, and senior Foreign Office officials who have served abroad. The imagery on the award’s badge shows St. Michael trampling on Satan. It evokes biblical reminiscence. In Genesis, we read that God told the serpent, “he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15) For believers, this prophecy of Christ crushing Satan’s head is a cherished and hopeful promise. Paul told the Romans that “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.” (Romans 16:20) [Read more…]