We had been following the ads for months, and gone down to Durango Music to
get our free 3-d glasses. Saturday night was drawing near, and the movie, The
Mask in 3-d was on late that night, the six of us waiting in eager
anticipation. The popcorn was made, eaten and more popped, too many bottles of
Coke drunk, and we were nervous with excitement. This was a big event in
Bayfield, as we only had cable TV for a year, so something this dramatic would
not be missed. And as 11pm approached, we all gathered around the set, all 17
inchers of her, right up close and personal. And then the show began, with
instructions of when to put on your glasses, with a test first. We all passed!
With one final warning, you must be at least six feet away from the viewing
screen, and we all scooted back at once, breaking the tension. Nothing was
going to upset our evening of 3-d tonight, we were ready!
Now I had seen a 3-d movie in the theater once, a consolation prize for
breaking up with a girlfriend I didn’t know was my girlfriend. It was Andy
Warhol’s Frankenstein, and walking through the woods in 3-d and dodging the
trees, the spears coming at you made you duck, and at one point guts hanging
from pitchfork dangled right in front of you. I was over ready for The Mask,
and it would live up to its hype, but overall the movie was quite bad. If not
for the six foot adjustment it would have been forgettable, but no one this
Saturday night was watching anything else. And we sat through the entire two
hours not wanting to miss the big climax we were waiting for. I kept the
glasses, but forgot the film, until reminded of the night in question. In a
three dimensional world, I still question what is such a big deal with 3-d, or
is my life really on two dimensional and I don’t know it? Do I need glasses to
see reality or am I blinded by the light?
Although 3-d was once a big deal to us, today’s kids have wii, where they
can excel if only in their minds, or virtual reality, where computers simulate
and stimulate certain events without being there. Sadly many Christians emulate
the virtual reality of Jesus Christ, knowing all about him through studies and
church attendance, yet never get to know him personally/ They settle for being
satisfied with illusions and allusions of his kingdom, not cashing in on all the
blessings he avails them. In the movies, on wii, or in virtual reality we can
be like Jesus, but end up just like a film loop, or a sound byte of who he is.
How many want to be like Jesus, or like Paul, or any of those mentioned in the
Bible, but never attain fullness, or holiness, only what their physical and
mental limitations allow. But Paul encourages us that we might have Christ in
us, and that makes all the difference. You see being a Christian is not
imitating, orchestrating, or impartation, it is Christ in us, the hope of
glory. A secret to many, but right there in scripture for us to grab hold of.
Yet many rather wear the 3-d glasses, or mask of wii, or of virtual reality
rather than submitting to the spirit. They neglect that being like Jesus means
suffering, alienation, desertion of friends, and loneliness. Of being cast out
and abandoned, and having to die for those that hate you or persecute you. A
job no one signs up for, we all want the miracles, the blessings, the greatness
of his power and kingdom without the taking part. So we assume an easy way out,
and denominations and religion are happy to provide a way, but not the way.
Only found in Jesus.
Paul tells of God revealing a mystery, not a whodunit, but a mystery that
has been hidden and now is now revealed. A reality only provided to his
children, those who believe and accept his son and his forgiveness, who
recognize his deity. For all others, you need 3-d glasses, but never get the
effect. Only in Jesus Christ do we see God fully revealed, and only by his
spirit. That is the hope of glory, fulfilled in Jesus Christ and his atoning
death on the cross. Who gives his spirit freely to all who believe. It isn’t
about Jesus and you, but Jesus in you that makes the difference. And here in
Colossians 1:25-27 Paul reveals the mystery. And we get to help reveal the
mystery because we are God’s ambassadors on earth. Where witnessing and being a
witness mean two different things. For a witness can only tell about that which
he has seen or knows, while anyone can knock on doors and tell about Jesus. One
studied, the other experienced. Jesus is able to reveal his father to us, at
one time an unknown, but now revealed via his son, by his spirit. No hocus
pocus, no special effects, Jesus is real, not a myth or belief, but the true son
of God. Who has written his words on our hearts so we always have him with us.
Some play the game, some watch the game, and some are left out. The choice is
yours....
Heaven and hell are not illusions, Jesus tells us it is so. You can be
like we were awaiting the big show with glasses, ready to be entertained, or be
part of the show. The spirit gives us a behind the scenes view not available to
those who are not saved. So many only teach and study, but never experience the
grace available to us. Living a life unfulfilled and not knowing it. Jesus is
the hope of glory, Don’t get caught up in reruns or special events, you can
experience Jesus in fullness everyday. He holy because he is whole, all we
need. Yet some study only to find themselves approved, and never use the gift
available. In The Mask they warned us when to put on our glasses and when to
take them off. In Christ we have him in sight all the time. No special
announcements or ads. No emails proclaiming book signings or special singers.
If Jesus has been reduced to just entertainment value, you are missing the hope
of glory and the hope and glory. For like cable, there can be 200 channels and
nothing on. Or you might miss the event by being in the bathroom. It’s Christ
in you, showing you how to pray, what to do and how to spend your time until he
calls us home. All while writing his will for you on our hearts.
Why is it easier to believe that Frankenstein created man from other men,
yet we don’t believe God created us out of nothing? Could it be the hope of
glory has eluded you? Jesus Christ, available in all dimensions, including
heavenly ones. Where we will be for a long, long time. Shouldn’t you be
planning your trip with him today? On earth as it is in heaven....the mystery
revealed. Glasses optional.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com