A picture is worth a thousand words

This is precisely what Jacobus’ idea was with the emblem he wanted to design for his epic hike “Footsteps to Good Hope”. Together with two of his artistic friends, Tiaan and Mariska, he set out to do just that – design something that will be splendid in its simplicity but still be able to convey a message of a thousand words.

  

In any emblem, apart from the visual pleasure it must give when we see the emblem’s images, the symbolic meaning of those images are paramount. After a few tries and a correction or two the emblem was sent off to Chrisna de Mooij who has her own graphic design business and was more than happy to be part of this campaign.

What an excellent job these young adults have done…

As said, the emblem must convey a message. Therefore the images and pictures were chosen with utmost care and keeping in mind that they should each be representative not only of one word, but of a complete idea.

Starting at the outer circle: the four wind directions represent the fact that the world in all directions is the creation of our Lord, no matter where you are or which direction you choose to go, you are in God’s creation! (Psalm 24:1)

The continuous loop of rope symbolizes the loving relationship between God and his creation. God’s people are bounded by his love (Hos. 11:4). A cord of three is not quickly torn apart, the Teacher in Ecclesiastes tells us (Eccl. 4:12). We cannot live in God’s creation and not respond to God’s grace in a grateful manner! But, being in Christ may mean that opposing forces will want to silence prophetic voices – that is to bind you with ropes (Ezek. 3:25).  

The Christian cross, signifies that salvation is possible through Christ only. Not only individual human beings, but all of creation will be liberated from its bondage and can look forward to the revelation of the children of God (Rom. 8). Christ’s work is cosmic in scope, as we know that through Him all things are reconciled to Himself (Col. 1:20). We are on our way to the day heaven will be coming down to earth and God’s dwelling place will be among his people (Rev. 21:1). We can have hope and faith in the renewed creation that is coming, where fallen humanity’s missteps and blunders, his thirst for power and his greed will be forever erased.

The two feet embody the physical steps Jacobus will have to make to cover 977km in 40 days. It symbolizes our fleshy, bodily existence as being part of a good creation. Figuratively, it signals the spiritual state we are in: Do we walk with God? The two feet invite an ethical reflection on how we conduct our life. How are we responding to God’s mandate to rule over (Gen. 1:26), to work in and to preserve creation (Gen. 2:15)? Do we look to Christ or think we can do it our own way?

The only words on our emblem are: “To Good Hope”. At first glance this is the place where this ambitious hike will, Lord willing, end: The Cape of Good Hope, a nature reserve where humans are responding to exploitation of creation by preserving parts of it for generations still to come. The physical presence of the Cape of Good Hope may already now be a reminder that Christian hope is anchored in Christ – a joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation and renewal. May this hope already start bearing rich fruit in this world!