Easter and Eternal Life

Yes, for the third year in a row, I'm posting the same devotional for Easter. This post was inspired by my love of the movie Tuck Everlasting and my professor's comments in Johannine Theology class my last year of college at Corban. I hope that, despite the repetition, the discussion/encouragement might bless old and new readers alike. :) (And I do hope to share a new devotional for the Cats Are Part of His Kingdom, Too blog tour in May!)

This Easter will be different... Not away at college, and not with every member of my immediate family present as before. But the hope of eternal life is a comfort, and we plan to still gather together for a day of happy family celebration. Happy Easter to you and yours, dear friends!

***

What is eternal life?

I recently explored this topic in a paper for my Johannine Theology class (a class studying the theology presented in the books of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation). In Sunday School as children, and perhaps even in certain contexts as adults, we are taught that eternal life is that which will begin after we die and go to heaven.

When Jesus prayed for His disciples before being arrested and crucified, He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). And at an earlier time He declared, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:10b-11).

At Easter we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus - that incredible, powerful reality that allows us to claim eternal life through faith.

So again, remembering and considering the Resurrection of Christ, what is the eternal life that God has offered us?

I think the movie Tuck Everlasting gives us a picture of what eternal life is not - as well as a beautiful hint at what eternal life is.

Tuck Everlasting is about a girl who meets the Tucks - a family who inadvertently found a spring that gave them immortal life when they drank from it. But while their way of life is unhurried and leisurely, and they don't have to worry about disease or death, they aren't exactly happy. Angus Tuck says at one point, "What we Tucks have you can't call livin'."

And it isn't living. The point of eternal life is not endless days. The point, as Jesus Himself declared, is a relationship with God:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

Eternal life isn't endless, meaningless days without God. That is hell. "Eternal life" here on earth is not what we truly desire or need. True eternal life begins when we believe in God - and it continues on through eternity, beyond death.

The glimpse of this in Tuck Everlasting is found in the line, "Do not fear death. Fear the unlived life." It's a great reminder of the message of 1 Corinthians 15:54-57...

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

So if you are saved through the grace of God, through faith in Jesus, may today's (and every) remembrance of the empty tomb thrill you with the knowledge of the eternal life with the Lord that you have already begun.

"Do not fear death. Fear the unlived life."

(Movie image from tribute.ca. This devotional was originally posted HERE on April 8, 2012, then re-posted HERE on March 31, 2013.)

Sundays through the Seasons: Eternal Life (Re-Posted)

Today I'm re-posting the Easter devotional I wrote last year. I love the movie Tuck Everlasting, and I appreciate how it shows the difference in a life that lasts eternally and true eternal life. This post was also inspired by one of my college professors, who taught my Johannine Theology class and who had some thought-provoking and wonderfully encouraging things to say on this subject. 

Anyway, I hope you don't mind the repeat post, and I hope it encourages you! Have a blessed Easter!

***

What is eternal life?

I recently explored this topic in a paper for my Johannine Theology class (a class studying the theology presented in the books of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation). In Sunday School as children, and perhaps even in certain contexts as adults, we are taught that eternal life is that which will begin after we die and go to heaven.

When Jesus prayed for His disciples before being arrested and crucified, He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). And at an earlier time He declared, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:10b-11).

At Easter we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus - that incredible, powerful reality that allows us to claim eternal life through faith.

So again, remembering and considering the Resurrection of Christ, what is the eternal life that God has offered us?

I think the movie Tuck Everlasting gives us a picture of what eternal life is not - as well as a beautiful hint at what eternal life is.

Tuck Everlasting is about a girl who meets the Tucks - a family who inadvertently found a spring that gave them immortal life when they drank from it. But while their way of life is unhurried and leisurely, and they don't have to worry about disease or death, they aren't exactly happy. Angus Tuck says at one point, "What we Tucks have you can't call livin'."

And it isn't living. The point of eternal life is not endless days. The point, as Jesus Himself declared, is a relationship with God:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

Eternal life isn't endless, meaningless days without God. That is hell. "Eternal life" here on earth is not what we truly desire or need. True eternal life begins when we believe in God - and it continues on through eternity, beyond death.

The glimpse of this in Tuck Everlasting is found in the line, "Do not fear death. Fear the unlived life." It's a great reminder of the message of 1 Corinthians 15:54-57...

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

So if you are saved through the grace of God, through faith in Jesus, may today's (and every) remembrance of the empty tomb thrill you with the knowledge of the eternal life with the Lord that you have already begun.

"Do not fear death. Fear the unlived life."

(Movie image from tribute.ca. This devotional was originally posted here on April 8, 2012.)

Sundays through the Seasons: Spring in Oz

The promise of spring is one of bright days, splashes of color, and new beginnings. The hours of daylight are increasing, trees are budding, all sorts of flowers are blooming, lambs are being born, and we get ready to celebrate Easter - the day we commemorate Jesus' resurrection, the sacrifice and triumph that paved the way for a new life of forgiveness and hope.

Last night my parents and I went to see Oz: The Great and Powerful in theaters.  There are many issues I could discuss: how I wasn't impressed with the acting, how the plot was filled with unexplained and ridiculous phenomena, how the movie seemed to be mostly a farce with attempts at depth and seriousness thrown in on occasion. Despite its flaws, though, those attempts at seriousness, coupled with some stunning visuals, struck me. And I liked some of the "springtime" promise that was embedded in the movie.

(Potential spoilers to follow)

The story begins with Oz, a circus magician who has a lot of tricks up his sleeve - but no great payoff, no real wonders, and no meaningful relationships. When his flirting ways get him into trouble, though, he escapes in a hot air balloon that heads right into a tornado. (Of course!) Suddenly everything slows down, and the world goes from an historical-feeling, sepia-toned one to one full of vibrant colors and fantastic landscapes, wildlife, and plants.

I loved this aspect of the movie. Oz is introduced as someone who's full of himself, hoping and praying for a chance to prove his greatness, all the while spurning opportunities to look beyond himself and show love to others. But he's given a second chance - a hope that is shown to the audience through vivid and spectacular imagery, like the bold colors of spring flowers and rainbows. Oz considers this a second chance to make a great name for himself (and to become fabulously wealthy), but on his course to "greatness" he begins to take hold of his second chance at "goodness," at caring for other people.

It's certainly not a perfect picture. I mean, Oz seems to base his trust of people on outward appearances, and he continually longs for his own gain throughout the movie. And yet we all fumble with our second chances and we all struggle with selfishness. So as far as simply offering a glimpse of someone's eyes being opened to a world beyond his own, I appreciate that aspect of the show.

Interestingly, Oz sets up a contrast. Theodora the witch falls in love with Oz and makes all sorts of plans for the two of them. But when he sets off on a quest and joins forces with Glinda, Theodora is heart-broken and chooses to do anything to harden her heart. There's a very overt reference to the Garden of Eden when she bites into an apple her sister gives her and her eyes are "opened" to distinguish between the sides of good and evil in Oz - and she realizes she's chosen the side of evil. Sadly, she embraces the transformation and seeks revenge against "the Wizard," spurning any offers of understanding and forgiveness, and ignoring any comments about her downward spiral. When offered a second chance, she refuses to consider it or to be led anywhere in a "good" direction.

With spring we are reminded of the blessing of renewal, of hope sprouting from repentance and growth, brought about only by the ultimate goodness and grace of God. Let's embrace forgiveness and second chances and healing, and enjoy the springtime colors and celebrations that remind us of the hope that we have!

(Movie poster image from IMDb.com.)

Sundays through the Seasons

The winter season is often about waiting, isn't it?

Waiting for spring. Waiting for sunshine and better weather. Waiting for summer break, vacation time, flowers, planting season, safer traveling conditions, and on and on.

So what is there to do in the winter?

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." 

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 ~

A season of waiting, a season of cold and loneliness, has its place. 

I watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers yesterday, a musical that a dear friend of mine helped me to fall in love with in recent years. (Spoilers to follow - you have been warned!) Those seven brothers - led by the eldest, Adam - make a foolish decision in the winter season, leaving seven women to pass the long winter months in the farm house, six men to huddle in the barn, and one man to head to the hunting cabin, alone. 

The boys' actions were rather ridiculous, and the innocents and guilty alike have to endure the season. The young ladies pass the time indoors:

The six younger brothers pass the time chopping wood, dancing, and singing (with pretty great choreography, I might add!):

It is a cold, lonely season for them all.

And yet, it is not a wasted season. The brothers do the right thing by respecting the women (with the help of Adam's wife, Milly, telling them to go sleep in the barn, LOL!). Milly doesn't have to endure her first pregnancy alone. The six younger brothers and their ladies get time to know one another and fall in love. There is time for healing, for forgiveness, and for hope to blossom.

"A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:7 ~

Pride carried Adam to the hunting cabin - and Milly knew she had to let him go, to "rend" their togetherness, for a while. Pride kept Adam there for the whole long winter, but after his and Milly's baby was born, the youngest brother (Gideon) knew that it was time for him to speak, to tell his brother that he was ashamed of how he was acting.

The winter season was hard for them all, but a time "to sew" everything together would come. In the meantime, separation increased the desire to see beyond pride and to work things out. The groups sang of their hopes and dreams, building strong bonds of friendship in their shared frustrations and longings. And Gideon found a voice.

So, in our own winter seasons, may we be able to accept the purpose for the time, and trust that God does have a purpose, even when we don't understand it. May we sing and dance, sharing our hearts with God and with one another, and finding something beautiful in the harshness. And may we find our voices - whatever God might be calling us to do in a time of seeming "waiting." 

(Movie image from Cinema Closet. Movie clip from YouTube. For another devotional on waiting and the seasons, check out Shannon McNear's post on "The Borrowed Book" blog, Weary in the Waiting.)

Sundays through the Seasons

I think this blog has been a bit unbalanced lately... I do so love book reviewing and talking about books, but it might be time to bring in another type of post! Last year I decided to start a new devotional series called "Sundays through the Seasons" to replace the "Sundays by the Sea" posts. Unfortunately, I only wrote two posts before getting distracted by other things. So I'm going to try bringing those posts back - I hope they encourage you!

You've Got Hope

My family and I watched You've Got Mail the other night - a fitting movie for Valentine's week and the hope of spring. I love how the seasons are so prominent in the movie: from the beginning with the "bouquet of sharpened pencils" reference celebrating New York in the fall, to the Christmas festivities, and the lovely ending full of the sunny days and blooming flowers of spring. The Shop Around the Corner, the heroine's children's bookstore, gets re-decorated for each new holiday/season (reminds me of our house - my mom really enjoys decorating!). It so beautifully mirrors the changes in Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox's relationship, as well as the loss and renewal of Kathleen's dreams for her life.

The symbolism of the seasons is full of hope. Circumstances won't stay the same. We won't stay the same. We can grow and learn and see things come to pass that we would never have dreamed for ourselves - but that eventually lead to greater blessings than we could ever have imagined.

The Director of College Ministries at our church shared a sermon this morning on the book of Haggai, emphasizing over and over again the idea that we need to "read to the end of the book." Many times in Scripture situations look bleak or tragic or hopeless, but they don't last forever. Our college director noted that he loves to open up to a place in Scripture and just start teaching from there - but then he wondered about books like Jeremiah. He said that there are spots where it would be really hard to share an "encouraging word." He realized, however, that if he just kept reading long enough, there would always be something encouraging to share.

There is hope. The story starts with the fall of mankind, but it ends with the stand of our Savior. The pages of our own stories are part of God's book - and there is a happily-ever-after, after all. =)

When we "read to the end of the book" (or "watch to the end of the movie," in this case) for You've Got Mail, we see that it all turns out so beautifully and poignantly. But it takes some time in the fall and the winter before the spring can come about the way that it does. There are lots of questions: Why did they have to be rivals? Why did Kathleen have to experience such sorrow because of Joe? Why did things have to change?

But aren't we glad that things did change, in the end? And aren't we glad at that last scene for all that they had been through together?

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass....

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him....

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand."

~ Psalm 37:5, 7a, 23-24 ~

Whatever season you're currently in, if you are following God, "you've got hope." May the upcoming transition between winter and spring remind you of that hope that you have!

(DVD cover image from IMDb.com.)

Sundays through the Seasons

What is eternal life?

I recently explored this topic in a paper for my Johannine Theology class (a class studying the theology presented in the books of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation). In Sunday School as children, and perhaps even in certain contexts as adults, we are taught that eternal life is that which will begin after we die and go to heaven.

When Jesus prayed for His disciples before being arrested and crucified, He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3). And at an earlier time He declared, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:10b-11).

At Easter we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus - that incredible, powerful reality that allows us to claim eternal life through faith.

So again, remembering and considering the Resurrection of Christ, what is the eternal life that God has offered us?

I think the movie Tuck Everlasting gives us a picture of what eternal life is not - as well as a beautiful hint at what eternal life is.

Tuck Everlasting is about a girl who meets the Tucks - a family who inadvertently found a spring that gave them immortal life when they drank from it. But while their way of life is unhurried and leisurely, and they don't have to worry about disease or death, they aren't exactly happy. Angus Tuck says at one point, "What we Tucks have you can't call livin'."

And it isn't living. The point of eternal life is not endless days. The point, as Jesus Himself declared, is a relationship with God:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

Eternal life isn't endless, meaningless days without God. That is hell. "Eternal life" here on earth is not what we truly desire or need. True eternal life begins when we believe in God - and it continues on through eternity, beyond death.

The glimpse of this in Tuck Everlasting is found in the line, "Do not fear death. Fear the unlived life." It's a great reminder of the message of 1 Corinthians 15:54-57...

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

So if you are saved through the grace of God, through faith in Jesus, may today's (and every) remembrance of the empty tomb thrill you with the knowledge of the eternal life with the Lord that you have already begun.

"Do not fear death. Fear the unlived life."

(Movie image from tribute.ca.)

Sundays through the Seasons

Happy April! With a new month comes a few new changes:

I've deleted my "Mondays for the Military" page. This is not to say that I will never have "Mondays for the Military" posts again - this is just an acknowledgement of the fact that this isn't (nor has it been for quite a while) a regular feature anymore. But if you ever want to read those posts from the past, just scroll down to the "Labels: From Days Gone By" section in the sidebar and click the "Mondays for the Military" link.

Speedbo 2012 - the month-of-March-long endeavor - is now officially over. You might be wondering how I did... Well, I can tell you that I didn't finish my current WIP. However, I did log 7,500 words! It may not seem like much, but it's progress nonetheless. After the first couple of weeks I got sidetracked by life and such, and I wasn't sure exactly where to go with my manuscript after writing a critical scene. But yesterday I found some Scripture verses that helped me organize my WIP and give me a general idea of where I might go from here - a blessing indeed! April won't bring much writing time. As my last month of classes, it's going to be papers, tests, and community service hours - oh my!! But summer's right around the corner, so hopefully you'll see some more green on that progress meter I'm keeping in the sidebar soon!

Also, some of you may recall my past "Sundays by the Sea" devotional posts. Today I'm launching a new devotional series: "Sundays through the Seasons." I'd like to do more devotional posts again, and I think this seasonal theme should go nicely with my blog's overall theme and leave plenty of topic ideas open. Hope these posts encourage you! The first devotional in this series is below:

"Love Makes Us Real"

What better movie to watch during spring break (or any time during the spring season) than one about a cute stuffed bunny who ends up becoming a real rabbit? Yes, my family and I watched The Velveteen Rabbit (two different versions, actually - an animated one and the one directed by Michael Landon Jr.) this last week.

Shared in sweet simplicity, this story about a boy and his toy is a beautiful story about the transforming power of love. Here is a stuffed bunny who's future stretches before him bleak and hop-less. He can't do anything on his own. He needs a young boy to imagine him to life - and he lives in fear of being abandoned and unloved one day.

Over time the boy comes to love the velveteen rabbit as he plays with him and takes the rabbit everywhere he goes. In the animated version, it is the boy's love that changes the stuffed rabbit into a real rabbit. In Michael Landon Jr.'s version, it is the rabbit's love for the boy (in addition to the boy's love) that finally changes him. Combined, the message declares that loving relationships are what make us truly "real." The Velveteen Rabbit is a helpful and heartwarming visual of the message of 1 Corinthians:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I can remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

(Verses 1-3; emphasis mine)

The velveteen rabbit is burned (or supposed to be burned) along with the other items the boy touched during a case of small pox, in order to get rid of anything that might recontaminate the boy or others. But the bunny comforted the boy during his illness and showed him love, and so his trial through fire, so to speak, finds him transformed into a real rabbit - safe, with a new life.

But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away....

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

(1 Corinthians 13:10, 12)

The velveteen rabbit discovered just how amazing being loved and loving can be. He was once just a stuffed rabbit - but then, because of love, he became real.

This Easter (and in every season), the story of the velveteen rabbit serves as a great reminder of the love that sets us free and gives us new life - a real life in which we love others because we were first loved by God.

(Velveteen Rabbit movie cover image from MichaelLandonJr.com.)