"A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices"

The song “O Holy Night” is one of my favorite Christmas songs.  I read a helpful that shares that this song was originally written by in 1843 as a French poem.  In 1855, it was translated to English by a minister named John Sullivan Dwight (https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2020/11/19/brief-history-o-holy-night-christmas-hymn-review).  The rest is history. 

I wonder if you’ve stopped to think about these words from the famous tune: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.  A thrill of hope; the weary world rejoices.  For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”  Humanity was enslaved to sin, waiting to be delivered.  And when they saw the truth of this special day – Christmas – there was “a thrill of hope” because it was a glorious new day.  Jesus the Lord is born! 

When I was putting all of this together, I heard a song on the radio that I’ve never heard before.  I could hardly believe the correlation to the content I was preparing for this blog.  Brandon Heath sings, “Outside everything is falling; the leaves, the light, the snow.  But inside every heart is longing for a thrill of hope…Come find the peace that passes understanding; come see the reason the angels sing.  Come all ye hopeless and all ye faithful: lying in a manger is the King of kings…it’s more than just another story.”  Later on in the song, he says, “Come find the wonder of a new beginning.  Come see the One who changes everything” (from his song titled “King of kings”).

One of my Christmas gifts was an animated film of “Pilgrim’s Progress”.  It’s a 2019 film that is based on John Bunyan’s work.  There is a powerful moment when Christian and his companion Hopeful are taken captive in the castle of Despair.  In this version, the very walls seem to whisper statements of misery and even suggestions of suicide (a fact that you wouldn’t catch without subtitles on).  The two pilgrims are completely overwhelmed, until they realize that they don’t have to give in to the feelings of despair.  They reason that the opposite of despair is hope.  I think Christian even says, “I have hope.”  As he does, a golden key appears.  With it, they manage to escape.

2020 has been a difficult year for all of us.  I could make my own list of frustrating circumstances, just as you can.  It can be easy to feel trapped in hopelessness and despair, just as Christian was.  What can be done about this?  How can you find hope in a distressing world?  The answer comes to us from the Bible.  On a very special night, the angel announced, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10).  Hope came to mankind “wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger” (verse 11). 

When Jesus arrived, there was “a thrill of hope” because it was a new day.  Hope doesn’t come from possessions, pleasure, or power; it comes in a Person – Jesus the Christ.  Yes, life can hurt.  There are still distressing circumstances, pain, broken dreams, and sorrow, but there is always hope.  Because of Christmas, or better said, because of Christ.

Kevin

Words from a Christmas gone by

A few blogs back, I mentioned that next month will mark 10 years since this blog first began.  In light of this, I decided to commemorate this today by sharing portions of the first Christmas blog I ever wrote.  In 2011, on Christmas Day, I wrote a blog that I titled “The most wonderful message of all.”  Here’s what I wrote:

‘I’ve noticed that during this time of the year there are some who will bring up the fact that Jesus was born, but they don’t like to focus on how this same Jesus didn’t stay a baby; He actually grew up.  The reality is Jesus lived the greatest life that anyone has ever lived.  According to the Bible, He lived a perfect and sinless life that you and I could never live (John 8:46; 1 Peter 2:21-22).  He preached the most remarkable sermons (Matthew 5-7 is devoted exclusively to one of His sermons), He performed amazing miracles, He loved people even if they were social outcasts, and on and on we could go.  Ultimately Jesus died a bloody, torturous death by crucifixion, and three days later He literally and bodily rose from the grave, victorious over death itself!

Near the end of the book of John, the writer makes this statement, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31).  When John says “believe” he doesn’t mean to give some kind of intellectual, cognitive assent or agreement.  It’s not like if someone were to ask you “do you believe the sky is blue?”  The word “believe” in the Bible means to trust or to rely upon. 

You see, we are all sinners in need of a Savior.  Not one of us can claim to be without sin (1 John 1:8).  This sin separates us from God and excludes us from entrance to Heaven.  We needed someone to atone for our sins.  Jesus Christ, God incarnate – God in human flesh – was the only one qualified to pay the price for our sins.  On the cross, He actually cried out, “it is finished” (John 19:30), meaning, “the price of sin has fully and finally been paid.”  After all this, Jesus confirmed that His death wasn’t just any other death by rising from the dead!  He had predicted numerous times that He was going die, but that wasn’t going to be the end, He was going to be resurrected (see Matthew 16:21 for just one example).  He showed that He was no liar, because it all happened just as He said it would.  Therefore, all anyone has to do is put their faith and trust in Jesus – to believe on Him. 

I invite you to read these familiar words as if for the first time: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes (notice that word “believe”) in him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16)…So today, Christmas Day 2011, it is a great time to ask this question: have you ever believed on the Lord Jesus Christ?  Have you ever put your faith and trust in Him to save you?  If not, don’t delay; please do it now.  You may think I’m exaggerating, but the honest truth is it would be the privilege of my life if just one person saw their need for Jesus, and through simple words in a blog, someone chose to put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.  That’s my earnest hope and my sincere prayer.’

My life has changed so much since I wrote that first Christmas blog.  In many ways I’m not even the same person I was when I first penned those words.  I thought about detailing some of the differences from Christmas back then to Christmas now.  Maybe I will do so down the road; but for today, my point is, even with all of the contrasts, one thing remains the same: I am still passionate about people beginning a life-giving relationship with God.  I would still consider it a privilege if someone said yes to the Lord’s salvation invitation today.

Kevin

"What's this holiday about?"

I recently watched the film “A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish” on Netflix.  I’m not necessarily endorsing it.  Actually, I found it difficult to watch.  The main reason is because the stepfamily of Kat Decker – the main character of the movie – were so incredibly cruel and toxic to Kat.  The viewer has to wade through so much of their venomous betrayal, hate, and deceit before you get to Kat’s happy ending.  I bring it up now because I was struck by a song Kat sings titled “Everybody loves Christmas”.  Here’s a sampling of the lyrics:

“It’s that time of year again; a time that I don’t understand…What’s this holiday about?  All this time I’ve been hiding out, wondering if I’ll ever know.  Tell me now, because I don’t understand.  Help me out, because I don’t get it… I want to know what Christmas really means; all the love and joy I want to see; because it’s always lost on me.  So tell me, why does everyone love Christmas?”   

Can you relate to Kat’s song?  Do you wonder why there’s such bliss regarding Christmas?  Why do we run around and buy gifts (or, to put it more accurately for this year: why do we spend hours and hours shopping online)?  Why do we adorn trees, and string our houses with lights every year?  After the ridiculousness that is 2020 why do we still anxiously await December the 25th? 

I submit that it’s not about the gifts, mistletoe, Santa Claus, music, or all of the pomp and circumstance of the day; it’s about the celebration of Jesus Christ.  My father, Jerry, once wrote a song on what Christmas means.  One line states, “Two thousand years ago, because the Father loved us so, He sent His Holy Son down to a manger, to die on Mount Calvary to save men’s souls and set them free.”  Though he wrote these words in the 1970’s, my dad’s words ring true, even today.

For 10 years, the theme song for the TV show “Smallville” pleaded, “Somebody save me.  I don’t care how you do it, just save, save.  Come on.” Humanity is saying that.  Deep down, we know we are broken, sinful, and in need of salvation and forgiveness.  Some have spent decades and decades to try to clean the stench of sin by works.  But that’s an exercise in futility; we can’t save ourselves, no matter how hard we try.  We need someone to save us.  The good news of Christmas is Jesus is the One who came to do just that.  The angel even told Joseph to name the child “Jesus” because He will save people from sin (Matthew 1:21). 

Jesus – God in human flesh – lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death for man’s sin, and ultimately got up and walked out of a borrowed tomb, victorious over death!  He offers the gift of forgiveness of sins, and an intimate relationship with God.  Once again, it’s not about trying to work off our sin, but rather it is to realize, to quote the old hymn, “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe.”  Consequently, if we are willing, the sin that “left a crimson stain” He can “wash it white as snow.”  That’s why we celebrate Christmas!

The song “Everybody loves Christmas” is sung again at the end of the film.  Kat realizes that she now understands Christmas.  “My Christmas spirit almost gone,” she states melodiously, “suddenly you came along.  That’s when I finally understood.  Even when I feel alone, I’m with you and then I’m home.  Finally feels like Christmas should.”  I understand her happiness to be whisked away from her horrible stepfamily, and to begin a promising new romantic relationship.  I celebrated these happy developments with tears as I watched.  But her explanation of Christmas is inaccurate.  Ultimate peace, joy, and satisfaction come from a genuine relationship with the God of the universe, through faith and trust in His Son, Jesus.   

Kevin

"In the middle of the fire"

There is no shortage of blog topics.  For instance, we have entered the Christmas season; which, to amend the song lyric, is "the most bittersweet season of all" for the Bauer family.  I miss my dad most of all during this season.  But that’s a blog for another day.  Speaking of blogs, unbelievably, in January we will be celebrating 10 years of blogs!  I’m still pondering just what I will do to commemorate this milestone, so stay tuned.

Thirdly, I could also talk about how, thanks to the coronavirus insanity, the Denver Broncos essentially played a football with no quarterback yesterday.  It took me some time to try to wrap my head around the particulars of that crazy situation.  And yes, it played out just as you would expect: the New Orleans Saints routed the Broncos 31-3.

Somebody is saying, “So after all of this, what is your blog topic for today?”  I actually wanted to return to the topic I brought up last time: the notion of thankfulness even in the midst of the pandemonium that is 2020.  Let me clarify something I should have made clearer: 2020 has been an extremely difficult year for me as well.  No, I haven’t caught covid-19, but I’ve still had to deal with my own angst, fears, disappointments, and illnesses. 

In fact, to be transparent with you, I was recently worn out with everything I’ve had to contend with for these days and months.  I listened to Rebecca St. James’ new song “In the Middle of the Fire” several times.  I needed the truth of the song to fortify me.  The chorus says, “In the middle of the fire, I will trust You, Father.  In the middle of the fire, You are standing with us.  In the midst of my darkest hour, Holy Spirit, come show Your power.  In the middle of the fire, You are faithful, Jesus.”  The infusion of hope from this song's affirmation prompted me to compose this blog today.

To conclude, a great line from another Rebecca St. James song came to mind.  In a song called “A Cradle Prayer” from her Christmas album from decades ago now.  She says, “Trials may come, and friends they may go, what really matters is You, my Lord.”  I needed the reminder that real hope isn’t found in clear blue skies, or calm waters; it’s found in God alone!  Maybe you needed that reminder too.      

Kevin

Giving thanks, even in turbulent days

In a helpful devotional book titled “Navigating the storms of life”, author Gary Inrig writes, “Life in the modern world is like trying to navigate an uncharted, rapidly changing, unpredictable ocean.”  He penned those words a few years ago, but it sounds as if he could have written them this week!  2020 has been a difficult year.  Ryan Stevenson puts it well in his song, “Amadeo (still my God)”; he sings, “Life can take our breath away; tragedy can leave a wake; a broken heart won’t ever beat the same.” 

I’m well aware that you might be reading this with “a broken heart [that] won’t ever beat the same.”  Maybe the coronavirus took the life of your loved one.  Or maybe some other very sad development occurred, and you are in mourning right now.  So why be thankful?  It’s Thanksgiving, but where is gratitude in these turbulent days?  I began with a devotional by Gary Inrig; the booklet is about Job and his famous plight in the Bible.  At one point, Inrig writes,

“When Job’s nightmare day comes to an end and he finds himself stripped of everything he valued, his words are profound: “‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.  In all of this Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing”’ (Job 1:20-22).  It is impossible not to be moved by Job’s response.  He makes no effort to choke off his emotions.  Through tears, Job maintained his focus on the Lord…These are not trite words; they are not pious words he was expected to say.  This was the resolve of his deepest being.”

This amazing affirmation of faith makes me think of my mother, Rose Mary.  By the way, I’m so thankful for her!  She recently put it so well.  She said that God is “the greatest gift we could ever receive.”  It’s true.  And remember, to quote Stevenson’s work again, Mom knows “a broken heart won’t ever beat the same.”  This time of year has a way of reminding us of the loved ones we have lost.  I certainly have gripping memories of my dad these days.

Suffering and pain notwithstanding, my mother is right.  To have an intimate friendship and fellowship with the Creator of the universe is a treasure that cannot be matched by anything or anyone else.  I don’t mean just checking in with Him on Sundays; no, I’m referring to a daily fellowship with Him.  In the painful episodes of life, you and I need help and hope.  We need what the Bible calls “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).  This doesn’t come through illegitimate sex or a bottle of alcohol; it comes with a relationship with God.  As Gary Inrig states in the devotional I’ve referenced, “The greatest privilege of life is to become a Christ-follower, a person living by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.”

Kevin

God's "limited time offer"

Back in April of 2019, I had the opportunity to hear a sermon from a dynamic preacher by the name of Doug Dameron.  He made a statement that has since been branded on my heart forever.  He said, “Salvation is a limited time offer.”  The context of the quote was the pagan city of Nineveh was told that they had 40 days to repent of their wicked ways, or God would destroy the city (Jonah 3:4).  It was at this point that Dameron made the observation that this was a limited time offer.  They had 40 days.  He then stated this:

“Salvation is still a limited time offer today.  None of us are promised tomorrow.  We don’t know when our last breath will be.  We don’t know when our last heartbeat will be…The rapture might happen this week.  We don’t know when our last day is.  The opportunity could pass.  It’s a limited time offer…I want to encourage you: if you are here today and you’ve never said “yes” to Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  You’ve never given your life to God through faith in Jesus; it’s a limited time offer.  Take God up on the offer today.  Today is the day of salvation.”

As I was putting this blog together, I was saddened to hear the news of the passing of two stars.  The first was Sean Connery, the first on-screen James Bond.  Like so many, I enjoyed his performance as the world’s most famous spy.  And of course, he had various other roles too.  The second was game show icon Alex Trebek.  I’ve spent time watching him, not only as host of “Jeopardy” but lesser known entertaining games, like “Classic Concentration”.  He will be missed.

The sad reality is no one will live forever.  Incidentally, the topic of loss is a personal one for me.  My dad – a healthy, vibrant man – suddenly passed away at the young age of 60.  I know firsthand the heart-wrenching pain of losing someone you love to death.  I also know that every day is a gift to be treasured.  Psalm 3:5 says, “I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.”

Back to Jonah and Nineveh for a second: Jonah was initially disobedient to God’s call to preach to a city that was guilty of abominable, egregious sins.  But he finally did.  The Bible says that the citizens of Nineveh – from the king to the common man – believed God, and repented of their evil ways.  The Lord saw this, and He refrained from the destruction of the city (Jonah 3:10).  Interestingly, in the next chapter, Jonah reveals that he wanted judgment for the Ninevites.  In anger, he says the Lord is “a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness” (4:2).  Yes, He is.  And apparently Jonah needed to be reminded that if it hadn’t been for God’s grace, that’s where he might be.

In conclusion, I’ve been thinking about the 2012 film “The Dark Knight Rises” lately.  For one reason, the main villain, Bane, wore a mask; it muffled his voice making him difficult to understand at times (does that sound familiar with our plight in 2020 with covid?).  But secondly, I was thinking of Selina Kyle’s quest in the flick.  She is in search of a program called “the clean slate” which erases her misdeeds from databases, and allows her the chance to start over.  At one point, after working with some shady people to get what she wants, she is betrayed by them; they tell her that there is no clean slate at all.

I wonder if you can relate to Selina.  You’ve made mistakes.  And you’ve searched for the chance at redemption, but your quest has repeatedly come up empty.  You were told there is no chance to get forgiveness – a clean slate.  You’ve subsequently found yourself drowning in a sea of despair.  But Selina was lied to in that scene in the movie.  Batman/Bruce Wayne had the clean slate all along.  In an intriguing act of unmerited favor, he gives it to her.  By the film’s end, we see that she had used the clean slate program.  Her sins were gone.  But, out of love and devotion to Bruce, she chose to remain with him.  The truth is, no matter what you have done, God has the same offer of a clean slate for you.

Kevin

Relevant words from the past in this chaotic time

Tim Jackson, in his helpful booklet titled “When Fear seems overwhelming: Finding courage and hope” began his work by citing a famous quote from President Roosevelt.  He spoke these words in March of 1933, but they are applicable today.  He said,

“Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror, which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” 

I have to confess that I had only seen the beginning of the quote.  That part is famous.  But it was helpful for me to learn the full context.  Roosevelt was saying that we should be wary of fear that grips us, paralyzes us, and debilitates us.  Doesn’t that sound relevant to us in 2020?

This has been a difficult year for so many people.  I have felt the added burdens, pressures, and anxieties in 2020 in my own life as well.  But recently I have faced new challenges.  Let me share that with you:

On Tuesday, October 20th, I wasn’t feeling well, and so I called in sick to my job.  However, this experience was different than it usually is.  I was told that I was going to have to be tested for covid-19 before I could return to work.  To make a long story short, the restaurant has been closed down for a few weeks now.  The details have been very hush-hush; I was told we closed as a “precaution”.  While I do know there was one positive case of covid-19 (and thankfully it wasn’t me; my test came back negative), once again, everyone has been very tight-lipped and I don’t want to deal in speculation.

The bottom line is, I’m feeling fit and healthy.  But I have had to sit on the sidelines, and wait until this new chapter ends until I am able to return to work (which is supposed to be sometime this week).  Not only this, but I have had to deal with car repairs, a large bill for a new set of tires, and what my pastor called “pre-election stress.”  It is easy to feel fear and anxiety in all of this.  That’s why I began with that Roosevelt quote; we have to fight against crippling fear – that “unjustified terror” – which paralyzes us. 

Finally, I would also add that you and I need to choose to put our trust in the magnificent God of the universe.  Back to the quote from my pastor, while I don’t have his exact words in front of me, he said, “Some of you are dealing with pre-election stress.  And God says to you today, ‘Relax.  I’ve got this.’  You’re wondering, ‘What about this?  What about that?’ And God says, ‘Relax.  I’ve got this.’”  I needed that reminder yesterday, and you probably do too!  I love Psalm 112:7; and I want to live it out on a daily basis: “His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”

Kevin

Render to Caesar and render to God

With the Presidential Election coming up in just a few days, I think I would be negligent if I didn’t write a few words on the subject.  First, I think it’s easy to take all of the gifts we as American citizens enjoy for granted.  One of those benefits is the chance to vote.  It’s amazing when you stop and think about it: we get to choose the leaders in the highest offices of this land.  And yet many still don’t exercise their civic duty and cast their vote.  I spent some time looking at quotes on the importance of voting.  Kim Wehle puts it so well:

“Voting is vitally important, even if an individual vote doesn’t sway a particular election one way or another.  It is the only way that “We the people” self-govern.  The ability to self-govern is both a privilege and a gift – one that we honor by showing up at the ballot booth…It’s sometimes hard for Americans to fathom that not everyone on the planet enjoys the privilege of self-government.” (Source: https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/19242142.Kim_Wehle)

In Mark 12, some slick religious leaders tried to trap Jesus with a loaded question.  They asked if it was right to pay taxes.  Jesus answered this by saying, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (verse 17).  I could write a whole blog on this interesting exchange in Mark’s Gospel, but I’ll give my abridged version.  I think it was Adrian Rogers who said that the “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s” clause is not just to pay taxes, but also as Americans, this includes casting a vote.

However, let’s not miss that second half of Jesus’ words; He said, “and [render] to God the things that are God’s.”  As a Christian, I am to give my worship, trust, dreams, and ultimately my entire life to God.  So, as the Presidential Election looms closer, I hope you will vote.  I hope you will vote your conscience and values.  We should never take this for granted.  But regardless of the outcome, remember there is a glorious God who is sitting on His throne, in sovereign control, no matter what.  Jesus said in Matthew 6, “But seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”    

Let me conclude with this story.  The other day, while I was driving, I missed my street.  I decided to turn into a large venue with a huge parking lot, so I could turn around and get back on the right path.  Somehow I didn’t realize that it was closed for renovations (or perhaps because of covid-19, I’m still not sure).  I must have driven around that lot a dozen times.  Every time I came to a place in that parking lot typically designated to exit, it was either gated, or closed off with orange cones.  Finally, I realized that there was only one way out: the solitary entryway that I had initially turned into.

In a similar way, we all seem to drive around (if you will) seeking hope and salvation in life.  We think perhaps they are found in the avenue of marriage, career, or politics.  But that’s not the case.  All of these things have their place, but they will never provide lasting hope and everlasting satisfaction. (And by the way, it’s not found in success for the local NFL football team, either.  The Denver Broncos are off to another slow start this year.  They are 2-4, and coming off another lopsided defeat; 43-16 to the Kansas City Chiefs.)  Where are hope, salvation, and peace found?  In a Person: Jesus Christ.  The old hymn says it so well: “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…all other ground is sinking sand.”

Kevin

A closer look at Harry Osborn's sacrifice

Let me set up the scene once last time.  Spider-Man was finally free of the dark symbiote suit.  But before this liberation, he had done terrible things.  There were new enemies that wanted him to suffer and die.  Eddie Brock – the next host of the symbiote – kidnapped Mary Jane, recruited Flint Marko (alias Sandman) and dared Spider-Man to rescue her and stop them.   The final confrontation was epic. 

As I described last time, Spider-Man was getting pummeled, but Harry Osborn swept in and saved him.  Soon he and Spider-Man were able to rescue Mary Jane.  At one point in the thrilling fight, Flint Marko/Sandman was wounded; he needed time to regroup and reconfigure.  But Eddie (a.k.a. Venom) was ready to brawl.  He managed to bind Spider-Man’s wrists, with his webbing, so that Peter’s hands ended up above his head.

It was here that Peter tried to reason with Eddie to get rid of the evil symbiotic suit.  But it did no good.  Soon after, Harry flew in with his glider to help again, but Venom yanked Harry off of the glider with a web line.  And then seconds later, the pivotal moment: Venom proceeded to leap at a defenseless Spider-Man with Harry’s own glider – with two sharp blades equipped.  That’s when Harry stepped in and took the blades meant for Peter.  Harry died a heroic, sacrificial death.

In a very real sense, Harry took Peter’s sin upon himself.  Venom was a product of Peter’s bad choices.  Under the symbiote’s power, Peter had lived a life of revenge, pride, selfishness, hate, and greed.  When he finally rejected the symbiote, it bonded with Eddie Brock.  Had Peter done the right thing at the outset, Venom never would have existed in the first place.  Yet Harry paid the price of that sin when he died in Peter’s place. 

I’m grateful to authors Jeff Dunn and Adam Palmer, and their helpful book “The Soul of Spider-Man”.  In their observations on Harry Osborn’s sacrificial death, they cite John 15:13 where Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down his life for his friends.”  But they point out that it was the previous verse, John 15:12 that gives the important context of Jesus’ words.  John 15:12 says, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”  Dunn and Palmer continue by saying:

“With that preceding verse, we see that, when Jesus talked about laying down one’s life for a friend, He was talking about Himself.  That’s what He meant when He said “as I have loved you.”  This was a Man who was about to lay down His life, willingly…for those He loves…In a way, Harry does the same thing – though his sacrifice doesn’t purchase eternal life and redemption for his friend Peter Parker.  But it does allow Peter to live, and to live abundantly.  Peter is motivated by Harry’s death to defeat Venom and then follows Harry’s model of forgiveness by forgiving Flint Marko a few minutes later.”

Essentially, unconditional love saved Peter in Spider-Man 3.  There is a poignant, sacrificial Christ-like love in Harry’s death.  Peter had made terrible mistakes.  Incidentally, so did Harry.  I neglected to mention it until now, but he went down his own dark path as the new Green Goblin (at one point, Peter called him “Goblin Jr.” which is a designation I like, I must admit).  But Jesus’ death was as the perfect, spotless, and sinless God-man. 

In conclusion, perhaps you can relate to the bad choices made by Peter, Flint, Eddie, and even Harry.  You’ve made bad choices and you’ve subsequently made a train wreck out of your life.  Jesus paid the price for every sin on the cross.  Maybe you’ve never placed your faith in Christ, let today be the day.  Maybe you’ve let yourself stray far away from the Lord, let today be the day when you return home.  We’ve all made selfish, sinful mistakes – I know I have.  But there is hope in Jesus.

Kevin

Terrific trilogy - the ovation

To recap, Peter Parker went down a dark path in Spider-Man 3.  He thought the black symbiotic entity would help him.  Instead it brought out violence, hate, and aggression.  When Peter finally saw what he had become, he had essentially alienated everyone in his life.  How could he ever hope to restore the damage done?  In a word: forgiveness.  That’s why I say this film – as well as this entire movie trilogy – deserves an ovation.

There was an epic final battle to conclude this terrific trilogy.  The black suit that Peter had rejected found a new host: Eddie Brock.  Brock took on the persona of Venom.  Venom immediately sought out Flint Marko alias Sandman; a character that had several intense battles with Spider-Man.  A team-up is proposed.  “You want to kill the Spider; I want to kill the Spider, together he doesn’t stand a chance.”  And Venom was almost right.  Spider-Man was certainly taking a pounding.  They had him on the ropes, ready to deliver the knockout blow, so to speak.  But Harry Osborn heroically entered the fray and saved Peter.

Let me back up.  Peter was terrible to Harry Osborn while in the dark suit.  Peter had injured Harry both physically and emotionally.  And yet, Harry chose to fight by Peter’s side.  He chose to forgive.  He actually saved Spider-Man from death, not once but twice.  In the second instance, it proved fatal.  As Harry lay mortally wounded, the life ebbing away from him, Peter laments, “I should never have hurt you; said those things.”  “None of that matters, Peter,” Harry responds.  “You’re my friend.”  Talk about famous last words!  This special scene deserves an ovation.

The next example of forgiveness features Flint Marko.  Peter had thought all throughout the film that Marko had murdered his Uncle Ben in a malicious rage.  But after another epic fight, Marko finally explained what really happened that day.  Marko did have a gun, but he never intended to murder Ben, it accidently went off, resulting in a tragic accident.  “I’ve done terrible things too,” Peter says in reaction to the confession.  After many moments of inner reflection, he finally declares, “I forgive you.”  Both Flint Marko and Peter were liberated. 

What about Venom/Eddie Brock?  What became of him?  This is the sad anomaly in the final fight.  Peter tried to reason with Brock, he told him that he knew what it was like; that the power felt good, “But you’ll lose yourself.  Let it go,” Peter pleaded.  Brock wouldn’t listen.  Ultimately, as Peter was destroying the horrible alien suit once and for all, Eddie Brock tried in vain to save it, and he died in the process.  He was enslaved to his own unforgiveness, greed, and selfishness.  And it cost him his life.

Last, but certainly not least, there’s Peter and Mary Jane.  Peter had been a jerk to MJ in so many ways.  His actions toward her while in the throes of the dark suit are some of the painful moments of the film for me.  However, at the end of the movie, in a moving scene that always makes me cry, they reconcile.  The source I quoted from in the last blog puts it so eloquently:

“The ending of Spider-Man 3 is one of the most profoundly beautiful things in a superhero film…we end in a small jazz bar, where our hero and his love share a moment of tenderness and forgiveness.  No final swing.  No dialogue. Just a slow, sweet dance between the kid who got bit by a spider, and the girl next door. The final 25 second shot has the couple embrace.  And we end the film – the trilogy – on Peter Parker going from a feeling of guilt and sadness to a feeling of relief, comfort, and contentment.” (From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkRRMOcmgoc)

In conclusion, the first film, Spider-Man deserves an ovation.  Spider-Man 2 was the best of the trilogy; a masterpiece that deserves a standing ovation.  But what about Spider-Man 3?  I submit that while this film has its issues (one of them being studio interference) this final installment also deserves an ovation.  I’m not sure who said it, but someone said, “We can’t live without hurting and being hurt.”  It’s true.  To love is to risk being hurt.  But what can be done about it?  It was Rebecca St. James who once stated, “We don’t have to get caught up in the whole thing of anger, resentment, and bitterness.”  Like so many experienced in Spider-Man 3, we can choose to forgive.

Kevin

Terrific trilogy - the objection

 Well, here I am again returning from another unexpected hiatus.  When life hits, sadly it takes me away from my blog life.  But perhaps you saw my blog content from last time about the Spider-Man trilogy and you had this objection: “Wasn’t the legacy of that trilogy tarnished because Spider-Man 3 wasn’t very good?”  This is a common objection.  Many do not regard Spider-Man 3 very favorably.  But this film is vastly underrated.

On the one hand, I would certainly agree that this third movie is far from perfect.  I could go into my list of details that still bother me about this movie to this day.  But even with all its flaws, Spider-Man 3 is not the disaster that some believe it to be.  Let me just dive in.

There was an important development that altered the course of this film.  I’m referring to studio interference.  A producer told Director Sam Raimi to incorporate Venom into the film.  Venom is an intriguing villain, but the problem was Raimi didn’t know much about the character, and he didn’t particularly want to include him in the film.  But it really wasn’t a suggestion.  By the way, you can check out this information from this source: 

“Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 3 – the almost perfect finale” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkRRMOcmgoc

I can emphasize for Sam Raimi.  I know if someone were to ask me to write about something I didn’t really want to write about, it would be difficult for me.  Yet somehow, Sam Raimi made it work.  Whatever you may think about Topher Grace and his Venom, the whole story line was what Raimi was forced to do.  I’m in agreement with the assessment made of Eddie Brock in Spider-Man 3 from the just-cited source when he states:

“I genuinely love everything about Eddie in this movie.  I love Topher Grace and how he plays him.  And I especially love the way Sam [Raimi] envisions that character.  Eddie represents a Peter without morals…He’ll do anything to get what he wants…the entitled brat with absolutely no sympathy and absolutely no understanding of people.”  He goes on to say, “Raimi was pushed to do Venom, so he did the Sam Raimi version of Venom…He turned Eddie Brock into the sleaze ball reflection of Peter.  And used Eddie to showcase what Peter could become if he gave into these emotions he is tempted by throughout the film.”

Let me briefly address the elephant in the room: it’s difficult to watch Spider-Man, the consummate superhero, choose to go down the wrong road in Spider-Man 3.  The symbiotic alien entity that bonds with Peter makes him angry, egotistical, and violent.  He does things that make us cringe and gasp.  And this descent makes us uncomfortable.  In part, I think it’s because we know that if Peter can succumb to his dark impulses, anyone of us can.  And yes, this certainly includes me.  Without God’s grace in my life, I shudder to think about where I could be today.

I want to devote an entire blog to the climatic finale of Spider-Man 3 in my next blog (hopefully not in November this time).  But I need to say one more thing.  After Peter finally sees what he has become, he is able to free himself from the alien suit.  However, he doesn’t seem to know how to proceed.  He is weighed down by his guilt and shame; that is, until his Aunt May gives him wise advise.  “You start by doing the hardest thing,” she states, “you forgive yourself.”  What follows is example after example of pure forgiveness on display.  It’s unlikely that we will ever see a superhero movie again that clearly shows the beauty of forgiveness.  That’s why I will always love Spider-Man 3.

To be continued!

Kevin 

Terrific trilogy - the overview

In 2002, a special movie – “Spider-Man” – was released.  It starred Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man; Willem Dafoe as Green Goblin; Kirstin Dunst as Mary Jane, and Sam Raimi was the director.  It was the first installment in a terrific trilogy.  I am unashamed in how much I love this movie series.  All 3 movies were huge blockbuster hits.  Yet, for some reason, it seems this movie franchise isn’t given the credit and praise it deserves today.  While you may disagree with me on my assessment, I submit these films are even better than people remember.

First of all, before we can even look at the films we have to remember the historical context.  Back in 2002, superhero movies were not nearly as common as they are today.  There was no Marvel Cinematic Universe.  No Robert Downey Jr. or Chris Evans had emerged on the screen yet.  The Batman movie series had basically been murdered by the horrendously bad 1997 film “Batman and Robin”.  No Christian Bale or Ben Affleck capers at that point.  Further, there were no Superman movies because, sadly, the last Christopher Reeve Superman movie “Superman 4: Quest for peace” (1987) was outlandish and absurd. 

However, the historical context wouldn’t be as relevant if the Spider-Man films were lacking in quality.  It all began with a fantastic origin story in the first film.  I could stop and camp out here with just the great elements of this movie.  (And this is particularly true with the fact that I’ve haven’t been blogging for a month!)  I could speak of Willem Defoe’s impressive Dr. Jekkyl/Mr. Hyde performance.  The epic kiss between Spider-Man and Mary Jane where Spidey is actually hanging upside-down!  Or how about that amazing scene where Spider-Man heroically overcomes the Green Goblin’s “sadistic choice” and saves both a group of children and Mary Jane?

But what I love about “Spider-Man” – and the entire trilogy – is its heart.  It’s not just action; there are also genuinely heartwarming moments.  Take one scene between Peter and his Uncle Ben as an example.  The situation is Peter has just obtained his spider powers.  And as a result, he is enamored with his newfound skills.  He had just punched the school bully that always picked on him.  So a concerned Uncle Ben decided to speak with him. 

“You’re changing,” Ben remarks.  “I know.  I went through exactly the same thing at your age.”  “No,” Peter replies accurately.  “Not exactly.”  “Peter, these are the years when a man changes into the man he’s going to become the rest of his life.  Just be careful who you change into.”  And if that wasn’t emotionally gripping enough, a few moments later, Ben gives the famous line: “With great power comes great responsibility.”  While it took some time for Peter to learn from Ben’s wise advice, it was a pivotal scene for Peter’s life and mission as a superhero.

Two years later, in 2004, “Spider-Man 2” was released.  It was another incredible film – in fact, many would say it’s the best one of the trilogy.  I would agree with that.  Moreover, I would submit that it is one of the best superhero films ever made.  As the years have passed, I have come to appreciate the depth of this film even more.  In 2007, “Spider-Man 3” hit the big screen.  I plan to say more about this particular film in the next blog.  For now, let me just state while this film is perhaps the weakest of the trilogy, it is far from the train wreck that some claim it is.

In conclusion, some may wonder why I am even bringing this up.  While on the one hand, in this crazy world, I would say it’s just good to remember an inspiring, bright gem of a superhero franchise.  But it’s not just nostalgia, either.  There are important themes that I want to discuss.  And, God willing, I will do so next time.

Kevin     

Thoughts on a deferred hope (part 3)

 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” – Proverbs 13:12

Today is the conclusion of the blog series on Proverbs 13:12.  I wanted to remind you that this subject matter has been personal and applicable to me.  In fact, I’ve tried to emphasize that God has primarily been working on me with this content.  I hope it has been as beneficial for you as it has been for me!  Let us proceed.

#3: A hope deferred is an opportunity to trust God 

I’m sure a question has been plaguing you for two blogs now.  What if that hope is deferred forever?  What if marriage is never going to be on the table?  What if the healing never comes?  What if that dream of a newborn baby is never realized?  What if this covid-19 craziness lingers on for months or years?  I never want anything I write here to come across as detached or uncaring.  But particularly today I want to emphasize that I answer this with compassion and empathy for the personal pain you may be feeling today.

The fact is I don’t know what will happen regarding your deferred aspirations (or mine for that matter).  However, I do know this: unmet dreams are acute opportunities to demonstrate trust in God; and the truth that His way is always the best way.  The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).  Not that this is always easy.  I recently read a sermon from a pastor that was transcribed online.  I was blessed by his words.  At one point, he stated,

“So here is what I want to challenge you to do in this season of suffering, be it today or some time down the road; I want you to declare your trust in God.  Here’s what that means: that every day…you can be dead level honest with your heavenly Father and say… “I have to pick up the pieces of this dream; I’m not really excited about what’s going on here.  But at the end of the day…I still trust you.  I’m not happy; in fact, I’m very, very sad.  But…above everything else, I declare my trust in you.”  When you do that, it’s one of the most significant moments of worship you will ever give your heavenly Father.”  (Page 3 from - http://www.linglestownlife.org/filerequest/2551.pdf)

One of the things that I want to be a part of my legacy when I’m home in Heaven is I trusted in God’s will and plan for my life, no matter what.  But, once again, this isn’t always easy.  I’ve often found my plans and dreams don’t line up with what God intends for my life.  Proverbs 16:9 is so true: “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

Therefore, I want to conclude this blog series with a small portion of lyrics from the excellent song “Even if” by the group Kutless.  This is my heart’s cry, and perhaps it is for you as well: “Even if the healing doesn’t come; and life falls apart; and dreams are still undone; You are God, you are good, forever faithful One.  Even if the healing, even if the healing doesn’t come.  Lord, we know Your ways are not our ways.  So we set our faith in who You are…You’re still the great and mighty One, we trust you always.  You’re working all things for our good; we’ll sing Your praise.”

Kevin 

Thoughts on a hope deferred (part 2)

 “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” – Proverbs 13:12

Previously, I began sharing some of my thoughts on Proverbs 13:12; a verse that could actually be considered rather depressing.  “A longing fulfilled” might very well be “a tree of life” but too often, I tend to focus on my hopes or dreams yet unfulfilled.   Perhaps you can relate.  Let’s dive in again, and continue on.

#2: A hope deferred is suffering

As I was putting this content together, I came across the story of the “hope deferred” in the life of the Smallbone family.  It blessed me, and I hope it does the same for you.  In 2012, Luke Smallbone (of the Christian group For King and Country) was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a life-threatening and debilitating disease.  Soon he had to stop touring and focus on recovery.  He was, as Luke himself puts it, “bed-ridden and being take care of like a child.”

The Smallbone family dealt with this for several years.  Courtney Smallbone, Luke’s wife, is the one who took care of Luke during this time.  She is vocal and transparent about her emotions during this time.  She states candidly that she was angry at God for not healing Luke.  She knew that God certainly could have instantly healed him, yet it wasn’t coming.  My guess is if someone had quoted Proverbs 13:12 to her during this season, she might have burst into tears!  

Luke shares how during one particular night he cried out to God in desperation.  He relays it in this way, “I was in such desperate need of comfort.  As God has a way of doing, He turned that moment into a moment I will never forget.  I felt Him say, ‘Luke, no matter how dark things might be today, no matter how difficult things might become, no matter what you’ll face in life, there is always hope in me.’”  (Information from https://www.geneva.edu/blog/faith/for-king-and-country-faith)  I confess even if no one else needed this reminder of the message of hope in God today, I did!

Finally, in 2017; a 5-year journey, Luke and Courtney heard what Courtney calls “The R word – remission!”  Today, Luke is healthy.  As was stated before, Courtney shares how initially, she was angry at God, but the Lord began to change her heart and attitude.  Ultimately, she had this to say about the entire horrific ordeal:

“I’m thankful that the Lord chose this way to heal him.  Because it healed a lot more than just healing his body; it healed a lot of emotions.  It strengthened our marriage.  It strengthened our family.  It touched many lives.  So He had a bigger plan.”  (Incidentally, I wish I could share more of Courtney’s words with you.  They impacted me.  But you can hear her thoughts from this you tube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enZOTYnkwxg)

To conclude, initially, I was just going hit and run on this point and move on.  But God seemed to have other plans for the blog today.  God willing, I will continue with the third point next time.  I was also gripped with the prospect that someone reading this is reeling from your painful reality.  Maybe – like the Smallbone family was – you are longing for physical healing.  Or maybe you’re struggling with infertility, or a miscarriage.  I don’t know the specifics of the intense pain of your story, but God does.  He loves you, and He is with you every step of the way.

Kevin

Thoughts on a hope deferred (part 1)

It has been interesting to notice Proverbs 13:12 has been popping up a lot lately.  This verse reads, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”  In these crazy days, I certainly understand how this is on people’s minds.  I’ve decided to share some of my thoughts about this verse.  And by the way, this will take more than just this one blog installment.

I also wanted to share with you that I have experienced unmet dreams or “deferred hope” in my own life.  To be transparent with you, this can be intense at times.  Therefore, I want you to understand that I am directing this blog content to myself first and foremost.  This is not Kevin passing judgment on everyone, while sitting on his perfection perch.  No way!  I struggle with this subject matter, believe me.

 

As I dive in, the sentiments of Proverbs 13:12 are true, but doesn’t it just sound depressing? “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”  Isn’t that a little disheartening, particularly for those who haven’t had their longing fulfilled?    I resonated with one author named Jennie Pollack and her article on this verse from LICC.org (London Institute for Contemporary Christianity).  She wrote,

“I’ve often thought that Proverbs 13:12 is one of the most discouraging verses in the Bible.  The only promise it seems to offer is I’ll be fine when God finally gives me what I’m asking for…It’s important to remember that the book of Proverbs is a list of sayings and truisms – it speaks about the way the world is, not necessarily the way it ought to be.  For example, Proverbs 18:8 says “The words of a gossip are choice morsels, they go down to the inmost parts’, it doesn’t mean we ought to go spread around those juice tidbits.”   (Source: https://www.licc.org.uk/resources/hope-deferred-1/)

Personally, I don’t think the takeaway for this verse in Proverbs 13 is something as trite as “I want to have this item; it hurts that I don’t.  But all is going to be OK when it finally comes to fruition.”  What, then, is the takeaway?  With that rather long introduction, I can only give one today.  But I’ll cover more at a later time.

#1: A hope deferred can become a substitute god

Someone said, “It’s so important that marriage, or finding that person, or being in that relationship doesn’t become our substitute god.  So many people believe that, ‘If I had the guy, if I had the girl, I’d be happy and fulfilled.’  And they end up living for, and investing all their hope and trust in, that potential relationship.  God is clear… [a substitute god] will let us down, if we try to replace Him.  It’s so vital that we be living for Him.”  These stirring words were actually spoken by Joshua Harris in an interview back in the year 2000.

By the way, I have to go on a brief rabbit trail here, because I would be remiss if I didn’t say a word on this.  Today’s Joshua Harris has veered so far off the tracks that he has essentially disavowed the Christian faith he once boldly proclaimed.  It breaks my heart.  I earnestly wish today’s Joshua Harris could hear the inspirational words he had stated in that interview two decades ago, with ears to hear.

In conclusion, once again, I have unmet dreams.  While these are legitimate desires, if I am not careful, I can unintentionally begin to put my hope in the wrong thing.  My hope needs to be in God alone, not in the expectation of a realized dream.  Psalm 62:5 says, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.”

Kevin