I recently saw The Hunger Games and I have a few confessions to make:
1) I broke my cardinal rule of seeing a movie without reading the book first.
2) I agreed to go with my cousin, whom I love, because she supports and gets my Twilight craze.
3) I stood in line, held my pee for an hour, and paid $8 for a matinee ONLY to see the trailer for Breaking Dawn 2.
A funny thing happened during the movie. Not only did I love it but I have been praying that God inspire my next devotion and I think He did. I am always hoping to hear an audible voice or have an awesome dream but NO. What I get is this crazy impulse to start writing. It was so bad this time that I was tempted to take notes on my phone during the movie. I didn't because I knew people would think I was texting which is totally rude. So I dug in my purse for a pen and paper but I could only find a pen. I went old school and started writing on my arm. Only then I had to pee. I admit I debated not washing my hands, but gross, so the notes washed off. Now I am desperate to get my hands on the book. After the movie, I rushed to my cousin’s house to borrow the book and came home to madly start writing before any divine inspiration wore off.
For those of you who have not seen the movie, it is based on the book by Suzanne Collins. It's set in the future in a nation called Panem which is a beautiful Capital surrounded by 12 districts. Because the districts rebelled in the past, the Capital controls the citizens using starvation, fear and harsh treatment. The Capital demands atonement for this past sin by requiring that each district send a boy and girl (between the ages of 12-18) to fight to the death on live television in an annual competition known as The Hunger Games.
Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen is a brave and strong young lady. At eleven, she was forced to take over as head of her family when her father is killed in a mining accident and her mother slips into depression. She illegally hunts with her bow and arrow to provide income and food for her younger sister and mother. Katniss is determined to care and protect her younger sister at all costs and truly believes that her sister is only person she is capable of loving. When her 12 year old sister is unexpectedly picked to participate in The Hunger Games, she volunteers to take her place as a Tribute.
There were so many Bible inspirations in this movie that I couldn't wait to share them with you. I know some of you are going to disagree because this movie is not a Christian film but I can’t help it if God uses movies to speak to me. Here are some Biblical themes that I found inspiring. Feel free to take them as divine inspiration or too much popcorn and chocolate, your choice. Because you see, in the games of life, there are two kinds of people, spectators or participants. Those that idly stand by and watch things happen or those that make things happen. Which are you? Do you have what it takes to play the G.A.M.E.S?
G = Grace
Grace is defined as God’s unmerited favor, a reprieve or pardon undeserved by any action of our own yet not free. The price of God’s mercy was paid by Jesus Christ so that we could receive the free gift of salvation. The theme of grace can be seen in this movie by the mandatory requirement that 24 young children act as Tributes to atone for the perceived sins of the past. Did you know that the word tribute can be defined as “a payment paid by one to another as a price of peace, security or protection”. Just as Katniss did not hesitate to volunteer to take the place of her sister, Jesus willingly paid the price for us. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NLT) That does not mean that this sacrifice came easily or cheaply. Katniss can be seen unable to sleep the night before the games and trembling with fear just before entering the battlefield. Jesus also cried out in the garden of Gethsemane the night before his crucifixion, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to the point of death.” Matthew 26:46 (NKJV) . Just because someone else pays the price for us doesn’t mean we shouldn’t live a life of gratitude. Here is what that life should look like.
For the GRACE of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to God. Titus 2:11-12 (NLT)
A = Apathy
The Capital requires all citizens watch the violence of the games knowing that fear will prevent rebellion. Most keep their objections silent, afraid to be persecuted. They accept the games as an unavoidable way of life. Others are callous, making bets on who and how the Tributes will die. During the movie, my daughter asked me, “Why would people want to watch other people hurt each other?” Good question. Throughout history and present day, people have the potential to watch horrific acts of violence and injustice and do nothing. We witness genocide on the national news, see riots where innocent bystanders are beaten, we are aware of millions of oppressed living in refuge camps, and see commercials of children dying daily from starvation. Closer to home, there is domestic violence in our neighborhoods, foster children are killed and neglected, children are exploited for pornography, and humans are trafficked for profit. At times, the problems can seem so overwhelming that we close our eyes to the violence because we wonder what we can possibly do to make a difference. I have a memory that has haunted me. When I was about six years old, my family would go to the local laundry mat. My sister and I would bring our roller skates and play outside. This one time, a father kept yelling cruelly at his young children. When they were leaving, I saw the father yell and hit his child violently. I recall watching in horror, feeling powerless to help. I wished that I was brave enough to take my skates and hit that man over the head but I just stood by and did nothing. This memory has always bothered me because I have wondered if I could have done something to help. There is a great quote “Evil triumphs when good men do nothing." Luckily, we have an example of ONE who despite being persecuted stood up to evil and won!
He was despised and rejected - a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weakness he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down…But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own, yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53: 3-6 (NLT)
M = Motivation
Love motivated Katniss to volunteer as Tribute for her sister. Love drove God to send His only Son to suffer and die on that cross for our sins. The citizens of the districts are paralyzed with fear and hopelessness. They accept the slaughter of these young children because they see no hope for change. When Katniss sacrifices her life for her sister, the people of her district begin to wake up. Her actions are a radical act of bravery. She becomes precious in their eyes because she offers them hope. They take their first steps of courage when they risk showing their defiance by saluting her with three fingers that represent thanks, admiration and good-bye to a loved one.
As the people begin to watch Katniss outsmart the Gamemakers that small glimmer of hope takes root in their hearts. Especially, when Katniss takes the youngest Tribute, Rue, under her wing. Rue reminds Katniss of her sister so she offers her shelter, warmth, and food. When Rue is killed, Katniss finally rebels against the injustice of the games and openly defies the Gamemakers by taking the time to surround Rue’s body with wild flowers giving her a proper farewell. She knows that the Capital will be angry because she is being televised acting humanly towards a fellow participant and it will gain their sympathy. Katniss then looks at the camera and gives the solute of thanks, admiration and farewell in Rue’s honor. As the people of Rue’s district witness this act of love, they rise up against the Peacekeepers risking their lives in a show of solidarity with Katniss. Rue's last words to Katniss are, “You have to win” because she knows her death will not be in vain if goodness wins. We have this same hope today. Jesus took on death and conquered it so that we could also.
You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this? John 11:25-26 (MGS)
E = Endurance
Katniss promised her sister that she would try to win so that she could come home but after Rue’s death, Katniss is determined to win. She wants to make Rue’s life count for something. Do you want your life to count for something? Put your trust in the ONE who created you. He knows your strengths and your weaknesses. You want fulfillment in this life? Do God’s work. There is no greater fulfillment. But it won’t be easy. In the movie, the president of the Capital starts plotting against Katniss because he knows that if people are given something or someone to hope for, they will start rise up. Just like the religious leaders hated Jesus because he was offering eternal hope. Jesus warned us, “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.“ Mark 13:3 (NKJV) Is enduring for Christ’s sake worth it? YES. The apostle Timothy wrote that our endurance would be rewarded. “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.” Unlike the Capital, God does not throw you into the battlefield alone and unarmed. He supplies all we need to survive and win.
He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and you men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40: 29-31 (NLT)
S = Shine
I love the song by Taylor Swift that says, “People throw rocks at things that shine.” She is right. Remember that the more you shine for God, the greater target you‘ll become to those that prefer darkness.
This is the Verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead because their deeds were evil. John 3:19 (NIV)
The enemies of God do not want you to shine just like the Capital feared the impact Katniss was having the longer she shined in the games. Katniss was soon known as "The Girl on Fire". We have all known someone on fire for a passion or cause. They are inspiring and motivating. Twelve ordinary men, through the power of the Holy Spirit, changed the world forever spreading God’s message of salvation and love but it cost them everything. Peeta, the male Tribute from Katniss’ district, does not expect to not win and believes he will die in the games. But what he fears more than death is losing his identity. He doesn't want the games to change him into a monster or to feel as if the Capital owns him. The Apostle Paul spoke of this vary thing, “I honestly expect and hope I will never do anything to be ashamed of. Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honor to Christ. Philippians 1:20-21 (CEV) You have a choice in the game of life, to be owned and defined by this world’s standards or to strive for the ultimate prize.
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)
The world is hungry for hope. All of our names have been placed in the bowl ready to be called by God to participate. Will you volunteer as Tribute or are you content being a spectator? Do you want the Capital of this world to own and control you? Or will you stand for what is honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. (Philippians 4:8) Will you use your gifts, strengths, passions, and talents to shine for Jesus. Don't stand idly by, numb by the distractions of this world, allowing evil to rob you of your purpose. If you blog, blog for God. If you twitter, spread God’s word. If you use Facebook, use it to encourage not tear down. Choose to conTRIBUTE because regardless of the lie the world wants you to believe, you can change your world, one person at a time. Trust me, with Jesus on your side, “The odds are forever in your favor!”
Love,
Yolanda
PS: I believe there is power in praise music: to heal, inspire, strengthen and comfort. I will link praise songs that I pray go along with my posts.
Praise song, Man of Sorrows
Praise song, Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)
Praise song by Nichole Nordeman, Brave
Praise song by Point of Grace, All the World
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