Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Purposefulness (Purpose in Life) (05/25/06)
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TITLE: Roll 'Em | Previous Challenge Entry
By L.M. Lee
05/30/06 -
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I don’t know how many times I’ve played that conversation over and over again in my head. It happens every time I watch a new Pixar® animation.
Yeah, Pixar.
Every time I see a new feature film my mind immediately races back to the Bible’s bounty of inanimate characters which were dramatically used by God to fulfill His purposes on the earth. Just think about it!
Imagine a conversation between the five smooth stones David gathered from the bottom of the creek bed. Close your eyes. Listen into their voices gargling under water, like say, Nemo. Think about how “useless” they felt for centuries, gradually eroding away as the water trickled over them, fish eliminated on them, wadding creatures stirred up sand in their eyes and their size slowly diminished – making them the exact size to slay a giant. Envision their shock when they were fished out of the cool stream, stuffed in a musty dry shepherd’s pouch only to be hurled through space, land in a giant’s temple and then crash to the ground with the gravitational force of victory.
Ah-h-h the stuff animator’s dreams are made of.
The abundance of characters is simply mind boggling. Think of the water basin designated for the humiliating task of foot washing. What a day it was for that basin and towel when the Master used them for one of His greatest object lessons on the night before His death. Wouldn’t their conversation around the water cooler the next day at work be just a little unbelievably enticing?
Or what about the alabaster jar. I always pictured her as a solemn, pure white container, entrusted with holding the invaluable spikenard worth a year’s wages. Imagine her humiliation when a prostitute purchased her and brought her home. Then picture her elated joy when she is broken at the feet of the Master, allowing her priceless contents to envelop everyone in the glory of the Lord. Then if that was not enough, the Master says this act of love will be recounted for eternity. Not a bad item to have on your resume!
WOW! Hollywood doesn’t write ‘em as good as that!
Picture the Hebrew’s golden calf idol as a villain. Visualize the two stone cut out of the mountain and engraved by the very finger of God! Envision the horrific pain they felt when Moses slammed them to the ground in rage. Just think about Moses’ staff…what an identity crisis that poor rod had, rod – snake – rod – snake – you get dizzy just thinking about it! Drama, drama, drama! Lights, camera, action! Keep that film rolling!
Do you think we could sign Johnny Depp for the role of the rod?
No wonder the scriptures tell us the rocks will cry out and the trees will clap for joy! God has been making full-length animation features for centuries!
Next time you’re plowing through a rather dry portion of Scripture, wondering if God has any hidden nuggets in there – read between the lines. Take a moment to identify with the burning bush, the twelve stones piled up in the Jordan at flood stage or bottom of a fishing boat that cradles a sleeping Master. Become a child again! He promised the true riches to those with child-like faith…and imagination. And maybe…just maybe…in the midst of their purpose…you might find yours!
© 5/29/06
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