"That which we have seen and heard, we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." -1 John 1:3-4
Someone recently asked me, "What is your favorite 'religious' movie?"
Without hesitation, I said "Ben-Hur." No doubt about it. Fabulous movie. Probably not considered "religious" in the minds of most people.
Up until my 26th year, I had not had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. However, I still probably would have cited "Ben-Hur" as my all-time favorite movie. And I would NOT have considered it "religious," either, at the time. When I watch "Ben-Hur" now, yes, I see the power and dominance of Imperial Rome; the laws and tradition of Judaism; then, the totally new ideals of Jesus Christ; and the conflict within the heart of the central character, Judah Ben-Hur (portrayed my Charlton Heston), to deal with these new ideals.
I don't think "Ben-Hur" was put on the market to be perceived as a "religious" film. No, "Ben-Hur" was put on the market as blockbuster movie release...with big-name stars, a huge budget, pageantry...and, oh, that chariot race! "Ben-Hur" attracted a broad-based demographic...men and women of all ages and children, too. There was something in the movie that appealed to and both sexes and all ages. EVERYONE flocked to the box office to see it on the big screen in 1959. Moviegoers weren't disappointed. What a sensational film. It won 11 Academy Awards.
Up until my 26th year, I had not had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. However, I still probably would have cited "Ben-Hur" as my all-time favorite movie. And I would NOT have considered it "religious," either, at the time. When I watch "Ben-Hur" now, yes, I see the power and dominance of Imperial Rome; the laws and tradition of Judaism; then, the totally new ideals of Jesus Christ; and the conflict within the heart of the central character, Judah Ben-Hur (portrayed my Charlton Heston), to deal with these new ideals.
I don't think "Ben-Hur" was put on the market to be perceived as a "religious" film. No, "Ben-Hur" was put on the market as blockbuster movie release...with big-name stars, a huge budget, pageantry...and, oh, that chariot race! "Ben-Hur" attracted a broad-based demographic...men and women of all ages and children, too. There was something in the movie that appealed to and both sexes and all ages. EVERYONE flocked to the box office to see it on the big screen in 1959. Moviegoers weren't disappointed. What a sensational film. It won 11 Academy Awards.
However, I have to wonder if the producer, or someone in a leadership position involved with this timeless classic, didn't have a more important agenda. Because, the true, lasting significance of the movie, in my opinion today, goes beyond all the typical box office success. For, although we never see His face, the movie shows us Jesus standing on a hillside surrounded by thousands of people listening to His new message. We hear people wonder at the words this new Teacher. We see Him pause in a desert outpost to give water to a chained prisoner...we see the same prisoner return the favor while Christ struggles to carry His cross..."I know this man!" Charlton Heston says as he rushes to His aid. Then, we see Ben-Hur's mother and sister miraculously healed of leprosy as they finally understand who this man, Jesus, really is.
The final scene of the movie places us behind the cross that was erected on Calvary. We see the shadowed outline of Jesus' limp, dead body. As the camera tilts and moves down, it begins to rain. The blood of Christ intermingles with the rainwater and we clearly see it run down to the base of the cross into small rivulets beneath the cross, which become small streams, then larger streams, and finally great rivers. The message is clear - the cleansing redemption of Christ's sacrifice is intended to wash and heal all persons of the world forever. A movie that appears to be about the great manmade power and dominance of the Roman Empire ends up bringing to the viewer the redemptive message of a loving Savoir who offers to change the life of every person in the world. "Ben-Hur," the movie, is a ministry in itself - it does what church should do - it appeals to everybody and offers a powerful message of hope in an interest-generating package.
Our lives, too, are intended by God, I believe, to appeal to a broad base of friends and acquaintances...so that they can see in us the living, redeeming Lord...that their "joy may be full," too.
Written by Jim Coleman
The final scene of the movie places us behind the cross that was erected on Calvary. We see the shadowed outline of Jesus' limp, dead body. As the camera tilts and moves down, it begins to rain. The blood of Christ intermingles with the rainwater and we clearly see it run down to the base of the cross into small rivulets beneath the cross, which become small streams, then larger streams, and finally great rivers. The message is clear - the cleansing redemption of Christ's sacrifice is intended to wash and heal all persons of the world forever. A movie that appears to be about the great manmade power and dominance of the Roman Empire ends up bringing to the viewer the redemptive message of a loving Savoir who offers to change the life of every person in the world. "Ben-Hur," the movie, is a ministry in itself - it does what church should do - it appeals to everybody and offers a powerful message of hope in an interest-generating package.
Our lives, too, are intended by God, I believe, to appeal to a broad base of friends and acquaintances...so that they can see in us the living, redeeming Lord...that their "joy may be full," too.
Written by Jim Coleman
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PRAYER:
Lord, I want to be a box office success for YOU. I want people to see in me something that is irresistible - Your loving Spirit. Use me in this way, O Lord. Amen.
Lord, I want to be a box office success for YOU. I want people to see in me something that is irresistible - Your loving Spirit. Use me in this way, O Lord. Amen.
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Jesus is attractive. Do you remember the circumstance or the person who brought Him to your attention? How can you become more attractive for Jesus?
Brought to you by A Positive Minute From The Hour Of Power
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