Here’s a little test:
On the next line, I want you to do exactly what I say.
Do NOT think of a cheeseburger.
Oops. You thought of a cheeseburger, didn’t you? You failed the test. 🙂
Sometimes, when we try so hard to not think of something or be like something or look like something, we actually make that “something” shine more than ever.
It is a strategy that often fails.
Satan has used this tactic many times throughout history. He has tried to eradicate the faith of Christians by using men to persecute the church; but the very persecution meant to destroy the faith of believers only served to strengthen them.
And now this same tactic, though fleshed out in a very different way, is failing again.
Satan knows that we are a movie-loving, media-hungry people. Our nation seems to borrow the mood of the latest movie. So why not use a platform that everyone notices – movies – to send out a giant, gospel-destroying message?
But like I said, brilliant as this tactic was…it is doomed.
The movie, “Noah.”
Let’s talk about how Jesus prevailed and the gospel went forth.
At first glance, it seems like Satan in fact did achieve his goal of presenting quite a distorted view of who and what God is.
“Noah” is brimming with “tweaks” that are literally driving Christians crazy:
- There was the story of man’s beginning that not-so-subtly invited in evolutionary claims.
- There was the twisted perspective on God’s judgement that painted an evil picture of Him.
- There were rock monsters. (???)
But all of that is ok. Because try as Satan might through the “creative” efforts of Darren Aronofsky to remove any and all proofs of God’s power, wisdom, and love…the ARK was still there.
Seriously, Darren wouldn’t dare try to make a movie about Noah without having the ark involved, right? That would be like James Cameron directing a Titanic-less “Titanic.” Can’t be done.
Darren Aronofsky attempted to portray a version of Noah that could fit into an atheistic- and Darwinism- approving mold…but he failed miserably.
By removing all of the seemingly obvious Christian themes, he made one thing stand out more than ever – the salvation of the ark.
There is a precious children’s Bible that I recommend, “The Jesus Storybook Bible.” A phrase in this particular Bible that has always stuck with me….”Every story in the Bible whispers Jesus’ name.”
Like every other story in the Old Testament, the account of Noah whispers the name of Christ.
The world deserved severe judgement. But God provided a way of escape by means of an ark. The world looked at that ark and laughed. They looked at their means of salvation and scorned it. A simple structure of wood was their way of escape, and all were invited, but few accepted.
The ark is our cross. The ark is our picture of the love and work of Christ.
Darren removed everything from the movie but Jesus Himself. His attempt to sabotage the gospel simply brought more attention to the salvation that the ark – the cross – provides.
This is a victory, Christians! Forget about what is NOT in the movie and look at what is IN it…a picture of salvation that millions are paying to go see!
So whether you decide to see/support the movie “Noah” or not, that is totally your decision. But we can rejoice, like Paul did, that “…whether in pretext or truth, Christ is proclaimed and in that I rejoice.” Philippians 1:18
This picture of salvation that Darren Aronofsky so graciously left for us in his movie “Noah” is something worth talking about…with anyone and everyone that will listen. People need rescuing, and the way has been provided.
PS
Please remember, everyone, that this month is Guest Post Month! Get your work into me by April 18. 🙂
