Author: Wick

This isn’t quite a “review”, as there are many more people qualified or willing to say what they think about the movie currently in theaters.  I will briefly say I enjoyed the quick nod to Bubo the owl (see the original movie), and much of the great scenery/action scenes.  I also appreciated that there was very little offensive language, and the actors remained clothed….even if the main character wore a skirt through the whole thing.

Some quick background without giving away anything huge in the movie.  The story is of Perseus, who we learn early on is a “demigod”, born of Zeus and a woman.  The story goes on from there. 

What I’d want to note from the movie, and from this type of mythology in general, is the picture painted of Zeus and other gods.  Faint glimmers of light as we hear Zeus talk about having created humanity, and desiring their love and prayers. But those glimmers are very faint, as discussion moves to the gods receiving some sort of “power” from those prayers.  Scenes with many gods gathered “above”, in view of the clouded world below, choosing how and when to manipulate things in their favor.  Combined with scenes between Zeus and Hades in some sibling rivalry for control of Olympus, etc., and you’ve got a pretty thin but popular picture of theology today.

Sadly, even within protestantism.  Those who serve God out of fear of his retribution, or because they want to be involved in “defeating” evil in some way on the “winning side”.  Automatically attributing every success to God’s blessing, and every failure to some sort of defeat.  Morphing God’s words about being spiritually prepared to stand firm in His ways into battle cries for being armed to kick some butt for Jesus. (see, “armor of God”)

Last weekend, many of the teens in Decatur, IL and their youth workers heard Eric Samuel Timm speak and paint a message about “Repaint Jesus”.  We were challenged that this world has many who have been hurt or misled in regard to who God is: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit all included.  We are called as people who are in relationship with Jesus, to go into that world and paint a True picture of the Christ found in Scripture, and the Heart of God.

A God whose very nature is Love.  The Savior man who served humbly, and died on our behalf, revealing a new existence made possible not by brute force or wise tricks, but from the nature of being God.  The Spirit that is less about emotional experiences and miracles to prove divine favor, and more about empowering us to live in that very same nature.  This week especially, as the world knows we have just begun celebrating Easter and New Life together, we go into a world in need of having that Life lived out and offered to them.  May God be with us…

In honor of “New Life” made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, I wanted to post something “different”.  Something connected to God making all things new, and involving us.  This past week, I took my older two daughters on a day that has/will become a tradition in the Anderson family – the tradition of helping Jesus wake up the trees so they can start growing leaves once again.  Here is some of our journey…

 

 Altogether a pretty great day. There were deep valleys where I had to carry both daughters from one side to the other.  The girls loved learning the word “moss”, and looking for it throughout our journey.  One highlight included seeing a large butterfly, and as I was pointing it out to the girls, I held out my hand.  It landed on my hand and we got a short close-up with it before it flew away!  Awesome!!!!

The people chose to release Barabbas over Jesus. I never understood that fully. Maybe they were just that ticked off at Jesus. He’d promised to be the “Messiah” after all, hadn’t he? Where was His power over Rome? Where was their deliverance? He’d given them such hope, and here He is….being made fun of and kicked around. Screw it. Must have been another false messiah. What a jerk. Kill the guy. At least Barabbas is honest about being a bad guy.

Mob mentality takes over. Before they know it, crowds of people are shouting “CRUCIFY HIM!!!”. Those who felt just a bit threatened by words they’ve heard about this man, are all too happy to comply. Those who had put their hope in this false messiah feel vindicated. As he heads to his death, their passion and distaste for him and all who are like him grows. They spit. They mock. How dare this man think he’s anyone powerful? How dare this man give them false hopes? Who knows how he did what he did….but it’s obvious he’s no match for Rome. Kill him for leading us astray.

As the nails pierce his skin, something is happening. Something supernatural. Those nearby notice it, and it ripples through the crowds. This is not a good thing. It is already in motion. Some begin to wonder. As He hangs there, life slowly draining, even Roman soldiers become a bit curious. Who was this man? What feels different about this one?

All of creation mourns. Skies turn dark. Clouds cover the sun. (at least in the movies at this point, which I’m okay with. Similar to the creatures all mourning when Snow White dies, or whatever. Not comparing Jesus to Snow White…but you get it. It would make sense for all of creation to change a bit when the creator God-man dies.) It is finished.