The Arrow Gospel
Sherri and I are usually five years, or more, behind both television shows and movies. Especially television shows. Because of that, we tend to binge-watch a show night after night, until we have exhausted all seasons and episodes. Honestly, if we don’t do it that way, we kind of lose track from season to season and stop watching.
Anyway, we’ve been watching the television series “Arrow” lately. We like it. It’s a bit bizarre at times, like all comic book shows and movies. But I am always struck by the spiritual dimension of these kinds of shows, and “Arrow” is no exception. Mystical orbs, people brought back from the dead, super-human powers in so-called meta-humans. I watch all this and realize how spiritually hungry people are. I also am constantly reminded of true spirituality found in the person of Jesus. And I’m constantly observing the stark difference in the ways of God’s Kingdom and the Kingdoms of this world.
Take, for example, last night’s episode in Season Four. Lauren is talking with her sister, Sara, who feels she needs to leave town and her friends and family. While Lauren is distraught over Sara’s decision, she counsels Sara, saying, “You need to do whatever makes you happy; that’s what matters most.”
I get it. What’s more, I understand it. The “pursuit of happiness” is at the heart of the American Dream. Personally, happiness is something I seek. At the same time, I have learned that the call of Jesus for those who would follow him is not to make happiness their priority.
Seek first the kingdom of heaven and all these things will be added unto you. (Matt. 6:33)
The paradox of the call of Jesus for those who would be his disciples is that those who are willing to lose their lives for the sake of Jesus and His Kingdom will, in the process, experience life to its fullest. (Luke 17:33)
As we give ourselves, our energies and efforts, to something greater than the pursuit of personal happiness, we discover meaning, purpose, and ultimately fulfillment in our lives. And the call of Jesus to follow Him, serving as peacemakers, mercy givers, and servants of a Kingdom that, when all others are dust, will remain forever, is, in my experience, the best way to experience a full, meaningful, and satisfying life.
It’s a matter of faith. Taking Jesus at His word. Trusting Him. Believing that if we lose ourselves for His sake, following His teaching, we will experience something far greater than temporal, fleeting happiness; we will know joy unspeakable and full of glory!
In Christ,
Dan
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