I have to begin with a very humbling confession-I don’t get out much. My schedule doesn’t have a lot of free time in it. I am often the last one to the party on whatever is popular at the time. For example, I did not see the movie, “The Fugitive,” until the good folks at Blockbuster (remember them?) had preserved the treasure on a nice and shiny VHS tape. The good thing is I finally got around to it. After watching it with some fellas from Clear Creek, I quickly realized why everyone everywhere was talking about that movie. It was a classic where an innocent man was framed for his wife’s murder. But in the end, Harrison Ford used some of his Indiana Jones magic to track down who had killed his wife and framed him for it. Talk about a happy ending…I’m getting misty-eyed just thinking about it.

I got to wondering why some movies “connect” with people and some don’t. I’m speaking in generalities here…please understand. The great movies strike a nerve with the masses. Some manage to impact only a few. In recent years, I have all but quit going to movies for obvious reasons. Most are not worth watching…something my dad used to say about the movies I was watching growing up. I guess I’m becoming more like him than I want to admit.

However, I have managed to squeeze in one here and there over the last few years. I want to take a moment and mention two. Normally, this is not my kind of blog…of course, lately, there have been no blogs…much less a type. lol! A few years ago, Scott and Kelly H invited our family to go see “Rogue One.” I had heard a couple of things about it and really wanted to see it…just not enough to drive to Somerset. In the end, we went and watched what has become one of my favorite Star Wars movies of the whole series. In 1977, my parents took us to see Star Wars IV: A New Hope…what we could call “the first one.” Right out of the gate, Princess Leah gets captured and the horrible, scary, evil, Florida-Gator loving Darth Vader makes his appearance. The plot was simple. Ole Darth was looking for “the plans” of the Death Star. These plans contained not only a blueprint of the Death Star, but also a way to destroy it. Most normal people know, of course, that Princess Leah had hidden the plans in our little buddy, R2-D2. The rest is history. “Rogue One” contains the story of how the plans came into Leah’s possession. I owe Scott and Kelly a hug for inviting us. The movie was outstanding.

The second movie, which is also a few years old, and a tad rougher to watch is Clint Eastwood’s “Gran Torino.” As usual, it took time for me to get around to watching it…but I finally caved. Smart choice. This movie is hard to summarize…for there are many plots and sub-plots at play throughout. Eastwood’s character, “Walt,” is not easy to like. A retired Ford worker and a prejudiced Korean War combat vet…Walt is a bitter, angry, racist, and a few other things none of us would like. He doesn’t get along well with his two sons as we learn at his wife’s funeral at the start of the movie. But his list of likes is also visible: his house, his dog-Daisy, and his 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With his wife gone, Walt is left in his home surrounded by an influx of Hmong foreigners…his subtle “growl” tells you how Walt feels about his neighborhood. With gang activity on the rise, his teenage neighbor tries to steal the Gran Torino for gang initiation. “Thao” is caught by Walt in the midst of the theft. What follows is an incredible story of friendship and redemption as Thao’s family insists that he work for Walt to prove his remorse. Walt quickly learns that Thao and his sister, “Sue,” will never be able to escape the clutches of gang life if Thao’s tormentors are not dealt with. In a plot twist you don’t see coming, Walt devises a plan that will rid Thao and Sue of a specific group of young gang members and give them at least a shot at a normal life. Trust me, you will need some Kleenex.

So why do I remember these two movies? What possible connection could there be between two such radically different films? Why would a pastor write a blog about either? Believe it or not, both of these films struck gold with their efforts. “Rogue One” grossed over a billion dollars. “Gran Torino” raked in nearly $270 million…the second highest grossing movie of Eastwood’s career…not too shabby for a 77 year old man at the time. The unifying factor of both films is the word, “Sacrifice.” In both movies, the “good guys” die. At the end of both movies, it all finally begins to become clear that the heroes are not going to find a last-minute miracle to save their lives…but they will save the lives of others. Countless people die in “Rogue One,” as they literally give their lives to give the Rebellion a chance at destroying the dreaded Death Star. The key players, the stars-if you will, all die…for a greater cause. In “Gran Torino,” Eastwood’s character literally gets shot on purpose by the gang to ensure the safety and future of Thao and Sue. Walt dies to give two young teens a chance at life. Sacrifice…it speaks. It always has.

As I sit here thinking about these two movies, I’m thinking about their respective successes and yet the unifying theme that bonds them. It’s the same theme that helped me to not only like them, but also remember them. Giving your life for the sake of others or a greater cause has almost always been viewed as heroic and appreciated. As a nation, our history is filled with many who gave themselves for a cause greater than themselves. With Memorial Day right around the corner, we will all soon be asked to think on such things.

The Christian faith is built around the themes of love and sacrifice. John 3:16 captures both elements about as well as any Bible verse we have. “For God so loved the world”…”that He gave His only Son…” Love and sacrifice. I can’t help but focus on the irony in today’s world. People die for causes almost daily and that has historically been the case for centuries. Yet the Gospel message is quickly being quietened and neglected by many of the same who could appreciate the two movies I’ve mentioned, as well as others. Sacrifice connects because it’s painfully real. Movies are fiction…but they still connect.

What Jesus did for us is very real…and has eternal consequences attached to our belief or lack thereof in His sacrificial death for sinners. As a Christian, I am humbled by the fact that Jesus died for me. The cross was mine. I was guilty…no doubt. But Christ took my place. If you’re a Christian, this is your story too. For those reading who might have a different take on Jesus…who He was and what He did…start with love and sacrifice. Don’t think about just the facts of what Christianity claims. Think about the “why” behind it all. Jesus came to save us…and for that to happen, His blood was shed. Maybe it would do us all some good to think on these truths yet again. If the Rebellion could appreciate the sacrifice of those who managed to get the Death Star plans into their hands…and if Thao and Sue could appreciate what Walt had done for them…then surely, the reality of Christ’s atoning work on our behalf is worth our faith and trust.

Blessings my friends. Be back soon.

Bro Mark