Were you there?
There
is an old American folk hymn that has been running through my mind today. I watched The Passion of the Christ for a
second time. Now, I’m feeling as though
I were there, that I did see them “crucify my Lord,” “nail Him to the tree,”
“lay Him in the tomb,” and I did see Him “rise from the grave!” And like the hymn writer, “…sometimes it causes me to tremble,
tremble, tremble.” The first experience
put me in an excessively analytical mode.
Feeling a responsibility for addressing the movie not only for myself,
but also for the BEBF membership made me want to be as objective as
possible. So I knew I had to see it
again. It will soon be five weeks since
the movie came out in theaters. Most of
you have likely seen the movie, and have read and seen a great amount of
material associated with it. Everything
from “How to make movies that will sell to the religious community” to “How
strange Mel and his father are.” In the
short space I have here, rather than recount my own personal experience or
provide a scholarly critique, I wish instead to put forth an exhortation to the
saints.
Each
of us has a unique opportunity to allow this film to impact us and let it
become a launching pad for our own increased awareness of the great cost Christ
paid for our ransom and deliverance.
Let it do so. In letting it do
that though, we must be as the Berean believers (Acts 17:10-12) were, and be
searching the scriptures to give an account for the hope that is in us.
(1 Peter 3:15). We need to be
especially in prayer for those in our families and spheres of influence, that
they would be able to better grasp the great salvation that has been paid for
all of us.
Be
warned that the enemy of our souls would tempt us to be sidetracked from the
significance of this opportunity for sharing our faith. He could even trick us into being a tool to
sidetrack others, if our attitude (spirit) is not right. These others are on
their journey, at a place where many of us were. Peter’s first letter reads:
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to
do good? But even if you should suffer
for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do
not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be
prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the
hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
…For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to
bring you to God. He was put to death
in the body but made alive by the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:13-15; 18.
Perhaps something you may have already said to
someone about the movie has had an “edge” to it. I encourage you to seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14b). Where you can find common ground, go there,
and pray for wisdom and discernment.
Remember our precious Lord is the Good Shepherd. He will be faithful to lead others from
right where they are, just as He has led us.
As the movie shows so graphically, He became that good shepherd who laid
down His life, by becoming a willing, silent lamb for the slaughter, (Isaiah
53:7). In His doing so, all may become
heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.
May God help us to best serve our neighbor so that Christ may receive
the full measure of His reward.
In His
love, Nino Spampinato
3/29/04