Friends,
About a week ago, I pitched this blog to someone very special to me. Although she might have laughed at me a little bit, I found encouragement in her words. The fact of the matter is that I can be somewhat of a geek sometimes, but I’m God’s geek. Besides, anyone who doesn’t enjoy the Star Wars saga is both spiritually and intellectually devoid… Just kidding… a little.
I’m continually impressed as to how George Lucas’ story is the perfect archetype for Christianity. How? Well, allow me to explain!
In an effort to better organize my thoughts, I am going to introduce the movies and their biblical parallel in the order in which they were released.
Episode IV – A New Hope
This film and the two pictures that followed are the “New Testament,” if you will, of the saga. Luke Skywalker, a new hope. Hmm - sounds familiar. Didn’t God send us a new hope in the form of a Savior to usher in a new revival?
Luke was new to the scene and had a mentor (well, a couple). Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda were his counselors in the ways of the force. Jesus had His heavenly father guiding his every step, word and action. Not only that, but it just goes to show how you can’t live the Christian life alone. Even a Jedi had mentors and a counsel that he or she could seek for wisdom and advice. In the same way, it is important for us as Christians to remain in the company of other believers.
“The Lord God said, ‘it is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’” Genesis 2:18 (NIV)
“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
God created Eve to make relationship a priority. Not only does he want us to focus on our relationship with him, but with each other. However, there are times when we face struggles with our relationships. Jesus was the perfect role model on relationships and he was denied (three times) and betrayed. Even Luke, a very likeable, just and down-to-earth man was mocked by Han Solo and betrayed by Lando Calrissian.
Darth Vader – the lost sheep. The enemy can use people just as God can. There’s only one difference; the only power Satan has is the power we give him. Darth Vader fell because he sowed to the flesh (more on this later). He surrendered his life to Darth Sidious and to evil. The enemy then used him to interfere with the rebellion (God’s kingdom). But what did Darth Vader gain? Was he ever happy? Was he ever fulfilled? No. He sowed to the flesh and almost reaped death – the eternal extermination of his soul.
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, self ambition dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
This is the most depressing film of the series. It ends on such a down-note. Evil, it would seem triumphs. How many times in your life do you feel defeated by the enemy? How many of your days have ended on a down-note?
Luke and his friends are betrayed. To add insult to injury, his friend Han Solo is frozen in carbonite. Luke also realizes that Darth Vader is his father. You can only imagine how conflicted he must have felt.
As Jesus was crucified on the cross, he had been denied and betrayed. Then he cries out to his father.
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani.?’ – which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” Mark 15:33 (NIV)
What were Jesus’ feelings toward God at that point? The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the most painful, yet beautiful aspect of Christianity.
Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
A Jedi master is the most powerful being within the realm of the force. We all know the old axiom, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Have you realized that God can not only bless us and use us, but he can give us power? He can give us power through our words and actions.
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Notice how it mentions self-discipline. True power is used with wisdom and discernment.
“Dear children, let us not love in words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
God gives us awesome power to advance His kingdom here on earth. He equips us with the tools, gives us the strength to carry it out and blesses us like it was all our doing. Sola Gratia!
Luke has now become a force to be reckoned with. Have you been blessed with the identity of being a Jedi for God? I know I have. I walk under the hand of our Lord and I am continually blessed, loved, protected and strengthened. God has given me tremendous power to advance His kingdom. Not only that, but he has recently blessed me with other people to help me fight the battle for souls that we are fighting. Wow, that must make the devil mad, huh?
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.” Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV)
How did I get this power? Why do I have the ability to walk this earth without fear and with total confidence? Surrender. I surrendered my own power for the power of the Lord’s. All of my strength comes from Him.
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
In the end, Luke prevails and evil is punished. However, it does not come without its trials. Luke is continually tempted by the dark side – coerced to sow to the demon of instant gratification and surrender his life to emptiness. He has to continually remain focused on the greater good.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to become a friend of the world becomes and enemy of God.” James 4:4 (NIV)
Episode I – The Phantom Menace
The central theme of this film was mainly an introduction of characters that were already familiar. It’s the “Old Testament” of the saga.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are many men / women that carry-out God’s beautiful work. Moses, Abraham and David are a few that come to mind. However, none of them were able to do what Christ did for us.
Though Qui-Gon Jinn was a powerful Jedi in the ways of the force, even he was cut-down by the evil, Darth Maul. Humanity comes with its limitations…
One thing about their battle has always intrigued me. As Darth Maul and Qui-Gon Jinn are fighting, a wall of lasers separates the two from their duel. For a moment, Qui-Gon kneels, closes his eyes and meditates. How often do we do this during our day – especially in the midst of our most fearsome battles?
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Though it seems that Anakin is shaping up to be an instrument of good, you can already see his heart turning corrupt. He is a vengeful man and full of rage. After his mother’s death, he slaughters the Tusken Raiders that held her captive.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
It’s safe to say that anything NOT of the fruit of the Spirit is the burden of the enemy. Notice how Paul says the fruit of the Spirit IS. It’s one fruit. However, the enemy’s traits are a plural burden.
An interesting aspect of this film is that it illustrates the magnitude of the clone wars. The clone wars were mentioned long after they were over. Believe it or not, we are in a war right now. The battle of good and evil isn’t to come. It’s been raging since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit. What side are you on? Will you fight for the kingdom of God? What is your attitude? Is it, “whatever?” Or is it, “whatever it takes!?”
Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
This is a dark chapter within the saga. Anakin has now sowed to the flesh and reaped death. In fact, his actions not only cost him his spiritual life, but his body dies as well. Vader becomes a shell of a person – operating only by the help of artificial life.
This film was beautifully executed as it ties everything in the saga together. Much like the finished work of the cross and everything that preceded it, God ties it all together with His love for us.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NIV)
I want to skip back to Episode VI for just a moment. At the end of the film, you see Anakin in the clouds with Obi-Wan and Yoda. Hmm. How did this happen? You see, even when Darth Vader was at the brink of death, he was able to submit himself to grace and goodness. It is NEVER too late with God.
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 (NIV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
In fact, the book of Revelation suggests that even those who died in sin will have the opportunity to change sides. Wow! What an awesome God we serve.
I don’t know if George Lucas planned this all out or not. But I do know this: Christianity is more than a story. The Bible is not just a book of people and events. It’s a history book. It happened! And it continues to serve as the only instruction manual we get for this life.
In Christ,
James
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