Who is that Masked Man?

I grew up in the 50's and one of my favorite TV programs was the Lone Ranger. One of the benefits of cable TV is that I can watch the Lone Ranger again. As a boy I would straddle my stick horse, six-shooter strapped to my side and cowboy hat slighted tilted. I watched the TV screen intensely as the Masked Man and his faithful companion Tonto righted wrongs and brought justice to the land.

At the end of every program, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, having done justice (Micah 6:8), would bid farewell on "a fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hi-Ho, Silver away!" As they sped away to the William Tell overture, the trumpets ringing in my ears, I galloped around the living room on my "Silver." What makes the Lone Range intensely theological was the question raised as the Lone Ranger and Tonto galloped away: "Who was that 'masked man?'" "Why that's the Lone Ranger" came the reply. Revelation!

For 15 years I taught Introduction to Christianity at a university. I would let my students in on a little secret, Christianity is about answering two questions: Who is that masked man? What does he mean for my life?

God became "one of us." The incarnation is the revelation of God to us and for us. God became one of us so that what is hidden becomes revealed. But how do we see?

Not everybody who encountered Jesus "got it." The Rich Young Ruler didn't. Jesus asked too much. "You lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven. Then come follow me." (Luke 18:18-23). He asks too much.

"To another (Jesus) said, 'Follow me.' But he said, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' And Jesus said to him, 'Leave the dead to bury their own dead.'" (Luke 9:59-60a) It seems so unreasonable, this request of the Masked Man. He asks too much.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German pastor who was martyred by Hitler, wrote, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." (The Cost of Discipleship). Well, maybe giving up money and family responsibilities is a better deal. To die? He asks too much.

The answer to "Who is that masked man?" is found in the cross.

"When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'" (Matthew 27:54) God became one of us so we too can die and live to him. (Philippians 1:21)

What then does Jesus mean for our lives . . . everything. To cling to Jesus alone is to grasp the deepest meaning and purpose of life with a hope that cannot be deterred. For you see neither life or death can separate us from God and God's love. (Romans 8:38-39) No matter what we face in life it is never the last word, only the masked man is. Hi-Ho away!