Sometimes we enjoy ending a busy work week with a relaxed dinner while streaming a movie. Recently I picked an apocalyptic film featuring a well-known actor (the only human in the cast) who scrapes by in the hostile aftermath of a solar flare that compromised earth’s atmospheric protection and destroyed all vegetation.
He lived alone as a fearful scavenger in a desert-like urban wasteland suffering terrible sandstorms, life-threatening radiation, and regular temperatures of 150 degrees, elements against which he was obliged to wear cumbersome protective gear. While he’d collected postcards from all over the world, he had never ventured far from his south midwestern home—-until the approach of a devastating storm forced him to leave.
He chose a destination from one of his postcards that will take him far west. That postcard, as it turns out, was the only communication he’d ever received from his dad, whom he’d never met. The story largely revolves around that journey west and his relationship with his dog and a robot he constructed. But he has a problem. He’s dying from radiation exposure. When he gets within a thousand miles of his destination, though, something amazing happens: butterflies and plant life appear. He finds he can go outside in the open air without protection! But it’s too late. All his body’s been through has taken its toll, and he dies.
As I reflected a bit on what I’d seen, a few things stood out to me: foremost, lack of relationship with his father (and people in general) and the tragedy of his missing out on what could have been. He experienced unnecessary hardship, suffering, and premature death because he played it safe, passing the time in his familiar, but toxic, environment. He dreamt of travel and adventure, but never took action. A much better life awaited him elsewhere the whole time, a life to which he was oblivious.
This captures lost humanity as a whole, who have never known their Father nor allowed themselves to be drawn into relationship through His loving correspondence. But it also depicts believers living in the flesh—fearful survivalists, self-protective, and self-reliant. Take a minute to read the striking contrast in Jeremiah 17:5-8, which largely mirrors that of the movie. Life in the flesh delivers a wasteland experience, but drawing near to our Father, and putting our trust in Him, relieves all fear and offers life and blessing in every form (also see Romans 8:5-6).
While nothing on earth can compare with being in the presence of Jesus for eternity, if we believers just hunker down and wait for heaven, we are missing it. He has a journey for all of us in this life, and if we’re still breathing, it’s not over! It would be tragic to allow ignorance, complacency and fear to keep us stuck in a wasteland when we could be living vibrant, fruitful lives, planted by an abundant stream, free of all anxiety.
I am convinced there are untold adventures awaiting us with God, and I want them. How about you? Are you in?
Prayer:
God, thank You for Your perfect love! May it cast out every fear that has stood in the way of Your plans and purposes being fulfilled in and through me. Thank You for helping me take hold of that which is life indeed!
JB, that is beautiful imagery and wise comparison of the movie you saw with living in the “flesh” or without God altogether. Thank you! Now i want to watch the movie – what’s the title?
Glad you liked it! The name of the movie is “Finch” starring Tom Hanks. (Streams exclusively on Apple TV+.)
Hi bud,
Great adventure story! The one that I am missing in my life. Thanks for reminding me where to look.
Blessings, jay