Capshaw Baptist Church
Movies are this generation’s venue of choice when it comes to storytelling. The average American watches between 37 and 72 hours of narrative on TV or at the cinema per week, which is more than most of us sleep. I believe this is due to the fact that embedded within practically every film is a distinct gospel narrative. This narrative mirrors the story of Scripture portraying creation, fall, redemption and re-creation.
Consider James Cameron’s epic film “Avatar.” It was set in the paradise of Pandora. There was a fall — the entrance of a wealth-hungry humanity to an otherwise pristine planet. There was a Messiah figure — Jake Sully took on flesh and experienced an incarnation in the likeness of the Na’vi so that ultimately he might lead the natives to freedom. Finally there was a “new creation” presented as the movie concluded. Ultimately the planet was restored to its original purpose. Keep in mind this gospel narrative is interwoven with ideas of eastern mysticism, political ethic and a variety of social agendas. Yet “Avatar” stands as one evidence that the good news is still the most deeply resonant story in the human psyche.
Humanity was created by a loving God and placed in a perfect environment. Yet the effects of sin and death ravage our experience. God sent a Messiah to redeem us from our sin. Jesus was the ultimate hero of the story. Through the cross He absorbed the sting of death and provided life to all who would believe. Ultimately He promises to re-create a new heaven and a new earth where sin’s curse is reversed and the final state of our planet is far better than it was in the beginning.
You have a role in this story. It’s not the lead role, that belongs to Jesus, but it is an important role. Make sure you make your time on the stage count.
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