Movie Review "Son of God"

 

In anticipation of already knowing the Biblical story and having seen several movies about the life of Christ, I have to say that this movie was creatively and uniquely depicted from the apostle John's point of view. I've read other reviews on this movie and although it was described as a "chunky" and very spliced movie, I feel that the producers, Mark Burnett and Roman Downey highlighted some of my favorite parts of the story.   Another twist in this story that was clearly made known in "entertainment" interviews with the producers, is that this story also includes Mary's point of view, as the mother of Jesus.  This is perhaps where the producers and I vary.  Mary's story isn't as vividly told in scripture as it is in this movie.   I knew that there would be some "creative license" with this movie as soon as I saw the trailer.  During the time that Christ carried the cross, he drops faintly and looks up.  Jesus looks at his mother who has reached to meet him on the ground, "Do not fear, with God all things are possible". As I watched the trailer, I knew that Jesus never said this to Mary. As a matter of fact Jesus actually says much earlier, before he went to the cross, in Matthew 19:26

"Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

The Word says he was speaking to his disciples, not Mary, when he made this statement. As a matter of fact, this statement had nothing to do with Mary. Jesus had just finished a conversation with a rich man who wanted to know how a rich man could get into heaven. 

Am I splitting hairs over this?  Well, I like to see the Word of God presented as we know it, it's in purest form, although while watching the movie, this line was used to emphasize that Jesus drew his physical strength from the power of God, to lift the cross.  Immediately after making this statement, Mary watched Christ lift the cross on his back with a new strength, as though he had been revived. 

It was a good use of a scripture and as a general statement, it made a clear point about faith. However, as I said before, originally, in scripture, Jesus made this statement in a different place, and for a different conversation. 

The only other thing that saddened my heart was the understanding of spirituality by the producers. Charisma magazine and the Christian Post commented that Roma Downey had a degree in "Spiritual Psychology" at the University of Santa Monica.  At first glance, the title of such a degree would seem in line with Christian faith however, according the universities coarse description, this falls under the category of "new age" and discovering "one's higher consciousness."  Roma Downey has a history of being a devout Catholic. Are we letting a thread of "new age" beliefs, seep into the church?  She has even endorsed New Age authors and their books. In addition, she has commented in another article, that she lets her children listen to New Age teaching on CD.  I'm not pointing fingers. I'm just simply pointing out that the only "higher consciousness" that we need, is the presence of God, the Holy Spirit, to reveal all things to us in our lives.

I personally have always enjoyed Roma Downey's acting and her sweet personality. In "Touched by an Angel", her character and "Tess" were always an inspiration that turned my faith and heart toward God. They were good stories and even I have experienced God working through the angels at different times in my life. Attention should always be turned to God as the one who orchestrates such miracles in one's life, because we do not worship angels.   Neither do the angels desire it. That's the very things that got Lucifer in trouble! My concern about watching this movie, "Son of God", for any one with new found faith or young Believer, would only be that they might use the example of Roma's "new age" exploration, as a good walk in the Christian faith. We are all human and I know that is was their very best at telling the story, which by the way is I'm sure to be dear to Mark and Roma's heart. They have kept it unique and creative, even though it has been told so many times, but her New Age" influence is dangerous for her own faith and for those who watch and admire her.  

We should never mix the Bible with other "spiritual practices".  I pray that Roma Downey as well as her husband discovers Christ's higher ways for their lives in a personal way. I also pray that God will use this film to further is glory in the earth and through his people. God can use anything for his purpose! This film is certainly enjoyable, faith building and is full of scripture.

Can you see clearly?

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

It's interesting that this scripture is often quoted by many to encourage people not to let their vision or "dreams" die. However, we often forget that this little saying that we like to quote and the verse itself, are not complete without the last half of it; "but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."

Honouring God, keeping his heart before yours and following the guidance of God's Word has a vital role in how that vision will flourish and stay alive in your spirit. In order to do this you must stay spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically charged by taking time to "refuel". Have you ever had "burn out"? You need to keep your faith strengthened because there will always be obstacles in your way. Those "rest stops" are an important part of strengthening your faith.

When your faith is strengthened, your spirit is refreshed and your mind renewed, the vision remains clear, the light continues to shine and the fire keeps burning. As a result, this helps you to stay focused on the goal and purpose of your calling. His Word stirs the love and vision that God has given you. Your vision, motivated by God's love, then stirs that passion to serve God. This allows you to put your hands to what God has called you to for the moment, whether it's short or long term.

What is your vision? Jeremiah 29:11 says that God has a future and a hope for us, a purpose with plans to prosper us. Let the vision that God has given you, go forward. This is where the purpose lays as well as his plans to prosper you, in every area of your life. Continue to honour God, keeping his Word as the source of life for your vision. You will see every area of your life and your vision flourish, even through the bumps and obstacles, with his guidance for each step of the way.

Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you where ever you go. Joshua 1:9

Coming Soon!

Grace Like Chocolate

If you enjoy chocolate, this is especially better than chocolate. 

Enjoy this special edition video devotional. 

More on the subject of God's Grace coming in February. 

Stay tuned for the Devotional Series "Seasons of Grace"

Life is a Bucket of Laughs

Visit Second Chance Ministries for Registration and More Details

(early bird rate til April 30th)

Do you take life too seriously? Do you see the little things as big obstacles in your way? Well, let me remind you of a little shepherd boy named David. He was a faithful shepherd boy watching over his flock of sheep. He killed a bear and a lion to protect them, yet he was just a small boy. When David (1 Samual 17) was given the opportune moment of favor to slay Goliath the giant, all he had was a slingshot and three stones.

The scriptures tell us that Goliath was 9’9” (6 cubits + 1 span). That's almost 10 feet tall! I am only 4 foot 11 inches and to me, my husband at 6 ft is tall! Can you imagine small young David, standing up to the terrible 10 foot giant Goliath with just a slingshot and three stones? Yet with all that must have been running through his mind, his confidence and strength in God remained. Even though the enemy laughed at him, David's stone hit that giant in the head in just the right position and God saw to it that the Philistine enemy was conquered!

A giant was certainly big enough to take seriously. Goliath was certainly not a small concern, but David didn't see him as a very large concern either, since he knew that his God was more powerful.

The next time that the little things stress you out, remember that God has much bigger situations under control. Use your spiritual weapon, the Word of God and trust that surely he can handle the small details. 

Becoming our True Selves

It's wonderful to feel as though you have “arrived”, at least you think you have until you face a new challenge or a fork in the road. Often you hear people say “I'm so satisfied with my life”, or “I have so much peace”. That's true when you know your identity in Christ no matter what the circumstances around you. People are so pleased with themselves when they feel that they have finally become their "true selves." However, in the Kingdom of God, our spiritual maturity is measured by how much we grow, to be less of ourselves, and more like Christ. The Bible, God's Word, says that we must become less in John 3:30 “He must become more important, but I must become less important." (International Standard Version)

We know that God loves us, but do we let his love enfold and fill our hearts in our lives, so much that we know him personally and become one heart with him. Let me assure you that God is not finished with you. His love, which is marvelous and rich, is just the beginning of all the blessings that he desires for you.

“Looking unto Jesus the AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” -- Hebrews 12:2

Unlike the world who does not know the love of Jesus, we don't have to spend years reading guru “self help” books to discover our "true selves." You are a child of the Most High God who is working out his perfect love in you and through you as you seek his ways in your life. Continue to walk and respond with Gods' love, with his heart, priorities and attitudes. You'll realize that you are walking in the most important identity that you could ever have. Your identity in Christ, as you grow in faith. He will reveal the person that he created you to be, with his heart in the center of yours. That is your "true self".

Afternoon Splash Womens Conference

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(advance tickets are available til April 30th

Just Be Woolly

I'm sure that you've heard this line on a Friday night. "Do you know where your children are? God never has to ask that question because he knows everything about his children as well as where and what they are doing. Are you one of God's children?

His Word identifies us as "sheep" because he is our Shepherd. Good shepherd's lead the way for their sheep, out of danger, out of harms way and keep them huddled together in safety. Sheep also have a tendency to wander away and get into trouble. Does this remind you of anyone? Perhaps you're reminded of a few things that you would like to go back and do over again differently? "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; 1 Cor 3:19

They are also restless and weak creatures who also need plenty of water. We need spiritual hunger and thirst that can only be filled by him. We cannot go without it. John 7:38 says: "He who believes in Me [who cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me] as the Scripture has said, From his innermost being shall flow [continuously] springs and rivers of living water; In dry spells a sheep may not go to get water. They will surround a tree in a dry place or an empty water trough until they die of thirst. They need someone to lead them beside still water.

Now, here's an interesting fact! Sheep cannot get up by themselves. If they fall down or cast down themselves, then they will lay on their back with their feet in the air. They will die in this state, but the Shepherd picks them up and sets them back on their feet.

Certainly as I mentioned before, if sheep tend to wander away, they can also lose their sense of direction. However, the sheep know and recognize their shepherd's voice. As God's children, he calls us his sheep; Like the sheep, we can recognize our Shepherd's voice and no other master's voice. The voice of the shepherd brings comfort and security to the sheep. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Do you need to find your way today? Are you cast down? Have you heard his voice call you today? Let him pick you up and lead you into rest, beside still waters. Hear the Shepherd's voice today.