Simply Powerful

Eero Saarinen knew the power of simple. When he entered the architectural competition for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in 1947, he was given an opportunity to express the beauty of this truth. Saarinen believed the monument design deserved to be represented more creatively than a traditional rectangle, box, or dome yet by something that would still be easily recognizable. In his mind a “great arch did seem right”.

The architect said the arch had to have “an absolutely simple shape” in order to have “lasting significance”. Saarinen was correct. Standing 630 feet high above the mighty Mississippi, the Gateway Arch is not only our tallest national monument but perhaps our most iconic as well. As a family we viewed the structure in person last week. We toured the museum and even took a ride to the top, but it’s been the words of Saarinen that have most stuck with me. To paraphrase one thought in particular, “simple transcends”.

Simple is timeless. It is understandable and yet profound. It is something that can be and should be shared. This of course got me thinking about the simple enduring message of the gospel. Jesus demonstrates His love for us through the cross. Christ died on our behalf so that we might be reconciled to the Father. He was raised so that we might find new life in Him. Those that take this message to heart find eternal “lasting significance”.

However, sometimes that word sounds too easy, so we add to it by tacking on lists of things to do or things to avoid or we suggest that certain behavior will prove our devout belief. While this almost always comes from well-meaning, good intentions, it inadvertently subverts the power of the cross. Are we saved by grace or by our own behavioral modifications and self-improvements (Galatians 3:1-5)? It is by God’s grace, of course!

Well then, does this mean that even the most hideous sinner can find safe haven in the arms of Christ? Yes, it most certainly does. It means there is hope for the self-righteous as well! This gospel message is for you and me. It is for our children, our friends, our families, and for people who feel a lifetime of mistakes and failure has disqualified them from such a gift. Friend, this simple message of forgiveness and newness is extended especially to those who are guilt-ridden.

Perhaps the reason we struggle accepting such grace and mercy is because we have confused simple with easy. The gospel message is fairly simplistic but to be clear, there is nothing easy about it! What Christ suffered on Calvary was not easy. What His perfect atoning sacrifice accomplished for us was no ho-hum feat. The very life of obedience we are called to as Christ-followers is this: deny ourself and take up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). Again, there is nothing given to suggest ease. In fact, the ability to carry out such a commitment comes only from the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. Christ came to do what we could never do. He lived a life we could never live and died a death that we fully deserved. Unworthy as we are, He offers us hope!

So what if we grasp this simple truth and truly take it to heart? Dream with me for a minute and consider the implications... What if we daily reminded ourselves of such freedom? What if our utter reliance on such grace preached hope to those around us? Can you imagine the influence we might have on our children if the rest of our days were lived trusting our Savior to perfect the good work He has started in us (Philippians 1:6)? The kingdom impact would be immeasurable - our lives and His purpose for them, truly transcendent!

Excavation for the great memorial project began in February of 1961. The fall of that same year, at the age of 51, Eero Saarinen died of a brain tumor. He passed shortly before construction officially began and his vision was fully realized. While his monument proudly gives tribute to President Jefferson and this nation’s westward expansion, it also reminds each of us that our impact for good can stretch far beyond our lifetime. The Arch proves that simple is beautiful and glorious and worth pointing others to. May we faithfully embrace the simple message of the gospel and experience the power therein.