Redemption.

NOTE: This is another culture watch but the title was too cool to pass up.

On Sunday November 23, 2008 I was one of the millions of fans to have their appetites satisfied. For a year and a half, amidst financial crises, Georgian invasions, international olympics, foreign wars, and uncertainty of the future Jack Bauer has been absent from our television screens. If you have never seen the blockbuster Fox televisions series "24" then you are truly missing out. The show occurs in real time (24 hours in a day) and Jack Bauer always manages to save the day just in the nick of time. He is promoted as the "savior" of America, a man who truly loves his country and will do whatever he has to to protect and save its citizens. If you are a bad guy... LOOK OUT!

I think the reason for America's fascination with 24 and Jack Bauer is that we see everything we want to be in him. We see courage, strength, no nonsense, and sacrifice. If I was ever in trouble I would want Jack Bauer at my side. He has the ear of presidents and is always willing to lay down his life for the greater good (Very utilitarian). This past Sunday's "Redemption" 2 hour movie event was no different (Warning! If you haven't seen it I will disclose some details). At the end of Season 6, perhaps the most disappointing in the series, we saw Jack sitting on the edge of cliff seemingly not knowing what would come next in his life. In "Redemption," we find out that Jack has been running all over the world trying to avoid a subpoena from the Senate where he will be questioned about his use of torture (If you have seen the show, you know torture is not something Jack shys away from). He is currently in Sangala, Africa staying with his friend from the marines "Benton," who runs a school for orphans. 

Another major backdrop for the episode is the election of the first female president...hmmmm. Apparently 24 has to be first at everything (i.e. David Palmer, who has claimed he had a part in Barack Obama's election), is this a prediction for the future? She is about to be inaugurated and is undergoing the final stages of transition from President Noah Daniels (Who took over for Wayne Palmer last season). I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I found out that Daniels would not be on the show this season. He was easily to most idiotic, immoral, bigoted, annoying character that the show has concocted (Yes that is how I really feel). Meanwhile, back in Africa we learn that Sangala is about to undergo a political coup and all American citizens are being airlifted out. The new warlord wants to recruit new members for his army. So he heads right for Benton's school. In steps Jack, and in true Jack Bauer fashion he kicks some butt! Jack saves the children, gets them to the American embassy, and helps them be airlifted back to the US... but not with out cost. 

Jack faces a choice in the final scene of "Redemption." The children can only go if he goes with them, AND if he goes with them that means losing his freedom. What do you think Jack does? Of course he sacrifices himself. As many times as Jack does this, for me it never gets old. The selflessness of Jack Bauer is something that I aspire to have... because it is what my savior did for me. Throughout the New Testament, the word "redemption" is pretty important. There are various Greek words used for "redemption" but they all have to do with the idea of "saving." If someone has lost their freedom and is on the verge of slavery, a third party can intervene and save them... in this case, Jack. 

Jesus died on the cross so I can be redeemed. I was a slave to sin and lost my freedom, until Jesus laid down his life for me. When I watch 24 I see the Gospel in popular culture. No other character on television shows us the meaning of sacrifice as Jack Bauer. He is real. He undergoes pain. He makes difficult choices. More than that, he makes us feel the need for a Savior. In that respect, Jack Bauer shows my need for Jesus. I need a savior. I need someone who will redeem me. That someone is God in the flesh, our great God Jesus Christ. 

It is good to have Jack back. But it is even better to have Jesus. 

CULTURE WATCH!- "W." "Eagle Eye." "Quantum of Solace."

As a student pastor I have come to realize that the impact of media on today's 21st century American landscape is enormous. Statistics tell us that youth culture, largely influenced by media, changes every six months, which means that if we do not keep up we will be outdated quickly. The amount of information out there can be intimidating, so I want to begin a segment of my blog devoted to something I am passionate about: the understanding of American popular culture. My hope is that parents, students, and anybody who chooses to read will gain a better understanding of what's out there and filter it through the eyes of faith. So... here is the first installment of "Culture Watch!" And it features the three latest movies I have seen...

"W." 

Let me begin by saying that I am fascinated with George W. Bush. I know that can be an inflammatory statement in today's culture, and I do not deny that he has made many mistakes but I wonder if, underneath the media scrutiny, there lies a human being who really wants to do what is right for the country. That is what I took away from my viewing of "W." Those that go see the movie, I think, will view it through their own political lens and, inevitably, will each read political messages into the movie. However, I think the main thrust of the film is to show Bush as a human being with flaws and as someone who may have "missed his calling" (Take that as you will). The film traces his life from his fraternity days at Yale, his meeting of Laura at a family cookout, his first political races in Texas, his conversion to being "born again," running his father's campaign for president, and scenes from his own presidency. 

I will say I enjoyed the movie. The strongest point was the acting performances. Literally I think Josh Brolin was more Bush than Bush himself. The other actors were equally as good. Based on that alone I think the film is worth seeing. However, if you are an avid Bush fan understand that most of the messages that come through will probably appear to be a reinforcement of the pop culture image of the President. He is presented as honest, but unintelligent. There is an underlying story about George W. and his father. Apparently everything Bush does is to please his father... including going to war in Iraq (Which is probably the most inflammatory story line of the film). Based on some other reviews I read, I would have to concur that it probably be better if this film came out in five years. If that were the case we would know the fuller extend of the Bush Administration's actions. As it is, the end of the film left me wanting more and that can only come with time. My overall recommendation is to see the movie. If you can go into the film with an open mind and an appreciation of the acting you will enjoy the film. If you go in hoping that the writing will vindicate the President, you will be disappointed. My hope is that you can do the former and enjoy the film. 

"EAGLE EYE"

This was the typical action film. I enjoyed the movie while I was watching it but it is not one that I would purchase or even be disappointed if I did not see again. If you are looking for something to do on a Friday night and the movie is down that the dollar theatre, definitely go see it. If you want to wait until it comes out on DVD that would be fine too. I don't want to ruin the story line so I will only make a few general comments. Shia Lebouf is himself in the film: funny, high energy and fun to watch. I have only seen him in Transformers and Indian Jones so I have yet to determine whether he is an actor of some talent or simply an emerging pop icon. However, he is enjoyable. The story line, once all details are revealed, will feel like some you have seen before (In fact someone commented to me that if reminded them of an older movie they had seen). The movie is pretty clean except for some action violence and it will be pleasing for the average teenage movie watcher. If you are out of the teen years... it probably will not be your thing. 

"QUANTUM OF SOLACE"

Okay... I will admit up front that I think Daniel Craig is the BEST James Bond I have ever experienced. For those readers who have an affinity for Sean Connery or Roger Moore I will respect your opinion. However, I am pleased with the more "Jason Bourne" direction the series is taking with the younger, more agile Craig. Indeed, this film is very action oriented and the car chases, fight scenes, and detective work done throughout the film is more like "The Bourne Ultimatum" than the typical Bond film. There is none of the archetypical, if cheesy Bond film lines (aka "Bond, James Bond"). There is, shockingly, little sexual activity throughout. Some can disagree with me but I thought, in comparison to other Bond spectacles, 007 gets far fewer girls than is his norm. Perhaps that is because he is still getting over his previous love interest from the first film. 

Overall, this film is worth seeing. I mean, come one, its James Bond. While it is not quite as original and engaging as Casino Royale it serves its purpose. This movie is a bridge between the first and third movies of this new franchise with Craig. It ties up the loose ends of the characters from Casino and gives Bond the teeth he will need to sky rocket into his full on spy career. Go see it. And simply enjoy the explosions, unbelievable stunts, and, as always, Bond putting away the bad guys. 

Modern Day Pirates?

Okay, so I know I have already made a post today but I feel that this subject must be raised if only briefly. Has anyone else heard about these ridiculous "Modern Day Pirates" that are making news off the Somalian coast? Apparently they have been stopping large oil tankers and holding them for ransom, even up to one million dollars!

I don't know about you but I when I hear about pirates I cannot shake images of Jack Sparrow and Captain James Hook from my mind. Is the Black Pearl sailing about in the Indian ocean stopping much larger ships with Exxon/Mobil labels on them? Which begs the question, where is Peter Pan and the Lost Boys when you need them? 

Anyway... check it out on any news website and find out the latest news. In my view, if whatever these "pirates" are doing keeps gas under $2 a gallon they can keep right on doing it. ARRRRRRR!!!!!!

Check this link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122720952045945067.html

SURRENDER--God's desires for us

Ok... so I have been a little lax on my blogging lately. This post is an attempt to catch up and send me running towards the finish line of the semester. It has been a busy three weeks so I will succinctly provide the highlights and thoughts I have experienced. Here goes...

SURRENDER That was the last topic in our Road Signs series. What I discovered as I prepared for that message was simply that I don't like to surrender. Many of us don't. We like to control our lives and have our plans for the future. But then situations come up that are out of our "control" and we have to surrender those things to God and trust that he knows what is best--as hard as that may be. The bottom line of that message was: "Divine direction begins with surrender." Until we decide we want to surrender our lives totally to God and allow his Holy Spirit to guide us--we are working against the one who wants what is best for us. If we, if I, want the direction of my Heavenly Father, I must surrender myself to him completely. Easy right? Yeah...

FRAILTY I was assigned Psalm 8 to preach in my homiletics class. Hadn't thought too much about the Psalm until this point... but it has some beautiful images and theology about our relationship with God. Let me offer three points about the Psalm. First, the use of God's name in the opening lines shows us that God is a God who wants to be known publicly. The Psalmist cries out "O LORD, our Lord How majestic is your name in all the earth!" This is a prayer to YAHWEH God declaring how amazing he is and thanking him for making himself known to us through his name. No longer is he a God who sits high above in the heavens apart from his creation. NO! He is a God who has revealed himself to his creation and who wants a relationship with him. Second, the next few verses shows a contrast between to smallness of man and the big, creative power of God. I love this contrast because I can picture David standing outside on a starry night, marveling at the creative power of God. So David pens the line "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him." The Hebrew word used in that line reinforces the idea that human beings are frail and weak in comparison to our God. Indeed, I think the psalm is reminding us that we need to surrender to God because he is strong and he desires that we are dependent upon him. How convicting. As I look to the future and think about all the plans God has for each one of us... I think his desire is that we constantly depend on him and seek him in everything we say and do. How is that for surrender? Third, the end of the Psalm indicates that God wants to use us to impact the world. He has given us "dominion," over the earth... but that power and authority comes from God himself. He has put his "image" in us and when people see us he wants them to see him. God did not just save us for the sake of saving us... he saved us so that we can live with his purposes in mind and reveal himself to a dead and dying world. Wow! That is amazing. We must surrender to him so that he can use us. 

A "POOR" STORY Last weekend we took 70 leaders and students and immersed them in the heart of the city of Denver. This was our "XA" weekend and our theme was "Love the city." We did that. I was amazed at how our students will rise to a challenge when it is presented to them. Some spent three hours with homeless people at a coffee shop or handing out food on a Saturday morning. Some spent hours building a wheelchair ramp, moving garbage, and "roto tilling" a front yard in the one of the poorest sections of Denver, and some even spent an entire morning with some troubled kids from a transitional housing community. It was an awesome weekend and I know lives were changed. Each time I go into the city I feel God's heart for the poor. It is humbling. And it brings me back to the idea of surrender and the main themes in Psalm 8. We are frail and weak. I see that in the faces of the poor and homeless people we encountered last weekend. When someone has to wake up at 5:00am because they are freezing and have to get in line at the soup kitchen, you realize how little power you have in life. Most homeless people never thought they would be in the situations they are in... but then something happened. Something unexpected. It could happen to any one of us. And if it does, to where will we look for our strength? I can think of no better verse that Psalm 121... "I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from YAHWEH GOD the maker of heaven and earth." If I am ever in a situation like some of the people I met, I pray that Psalm 121 would be my life verse. 

All that said, it has been a moving three weeks. God has been good and I think his message to me and to the church in the United States is this--DEPEND ON ME. TRUST ME. SEEK ME. No matter where you are in life Jesus is calling to us and reaching out his hand. He loves us. He cares for us even though he does not have to. Some of us have gone through tremendous amount of pain in our lives. As when those situations and emotions rise up within us we have a choice: trust in ourselves or trust in God. I hope that we realize how big our God is and how much he cares for us, how much he wants to heal us. I hope that we surrender to him everything we have. It is only when we surrender to him and trust in him that he can fully use us. 

If this presidential election has taught us anything it is that people are longing for a life change and for hope. My prayer is that we would find those things in Jesus--the one who can truly fulfill us and sustain us. He is the God who created the world, who delivered his people from slavery, who constantly calls us back to repentance, who sent his Son in the flesh to die a brutal death for us, who rose from the grave and conquered Satan and death, who is at work in this world, and who is coming again! He says "Surrender! Trust in me! Depend on me! Because I care and I know what is best." That is the God we serve. 

XA--Love The City

I know I have got a little behind on my blog posts... I will do one by the end of this weekend. But I want to write this short note to ask that you pray for our "XA" weekend. "XA" stands for Christ First. This year we will be working with various organizations in downtown Denver to help the poor and hurting. We have a good number of students coming and our prayer is that they would get out of their comfort zones and become the hands and feet of Jesus to those who need it most. Thanks for your prayers. Pray for protection and that the Holy Spirit would move on the hearts of all our students. May the name of JESUS be made great!

O LORD our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8)