I was thinking of a theme to talk about for my first blog. With me, any discussion always seems to come around to movies. I have a pretty considerable collection of films, ranging from drama to comedy. The two largest sections of movies I have are of Biblical/Christian films and Historical films. But recently, I have come across an interesting question: is it possible for God to talk through films? Can His will for your life be told to you through celluloid?
I received an answer to this question just this week, as I was pondering the current path that had been set before me. I am a member of a Christian ministry on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in North Carolina, and the leader of the ministry, a very good friend of mine, had asked me to take on a larger leadership role in the ministry. This includes leading Bible study once a month.
Not only was this a pretty big shock for me, but I was also a bit apprehensive of doing this. Even though I feel truly blessed and honored to be asked to take part in leading the study if His Holy Word, I felt a bit unworthy of doing this. This is the Holy Word of our Lord. How can I, a man of no consequence, help to better our understanding of the Holy Scripture? I prayed about it, and bled sweat and tears over this for a couple of weeks.
Then, the answer came to me this past week as I was watching “The Ten Commandments.” This film was made back in 1956, and stars Charlton Heston as Moses. In the film, Moses is seen questioning why God would use him as the deliverer of the Hebrews from Egypt into the Promised Land. In the film, we see Moses, who was once a Prince of Egypt, give up his royal life, take on the life of a Hebrew slave, slay an Egyptian, and be banished from Egypt by Prince Ramses (Yeah, it’s not a straight-forward adaptation of the Book of Exodus), and become the lowest of men. Then, God sets him on the path of delivering his people to freedom.
As I watched this film, I realized that God was answering my prayer. Moses became a common man, but was still seen fit in God’s eyes to help those who sought to be free. He used an ordinary man. If an ordinary man could lead the Hebrews from freedom, why can’t an ordinary man lead a Bible study every now and then?
While I am still nervous about doing this, I am very grateful to Him for choosing me to become a leader in the ministry. I just hope and pray that I serve Him well in this service to the King of Kings.
I can ask for only one thing from all of you. I ask that you keep me in your prayers as I help to prepare, with the help of God, His people for the future Kingdom. May God be with you all.
In Christ,
Steven
August 26, 2007 at 12:46 am
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August 26, 2007 at 2:21 am
I do not doubt that media can supplement God’s truth. For when God created the world, he infused it with all of his truth, beauty and goodness. Despite the fall, creation still radiates some of these traits, and movie makers and their kin pick up on these themes. Thus, a movie that’s not “Christian” can still have redeeming qualities. As with Paul, “For since the creation of the world…” Rom. 1:20.
Or, as St. Augustine said, “All truth is God’s truth.”
However, I think if we really want to hear from God, we’ll do well to shut off the TV, the movies, the music. If you want to know how better to lead others in God’s Word, it would be prudent to be silent and engage that Word. What does Solomon say? “Do not be hasty to utter anything in your heart before God. He is in heaven, and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be few.”
Leading such a study in quite the honor, but also a heavy responsibility. If you would take it upon yourself, do it with all diligence. I pray you engage the Spirit to find wisdom in this leading. I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Finally, remember, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” What we put into our heads is of the upmost importance for following Christ!