Aug
31
Sequels
Filed Under Devotional
Sequels have a mixed history in the movies. Some have been very good and some have been awful. When it comes to genre movies (sci-fi, fantasy, comic book, etc.) the track record is no different. Star Trek II is generally considered the best of the series with the original crew. In fact, it’s commonly known that the even-numbered ones were good and the odds were not. Star Wars did okay with the originals back in when I was growing up. The new batch was not as much fun. It was better eye candy with a weaker storyline. Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2 are considered both quite good. The third was a disappointment.
I could go on… for hours (as my wife will confirm). These conversations have started long-running arguments with the professional circles I’m in.
At any rate, the idea of the sequel came to me because of how a movie in such a series ends. The whole point of the ending of a movie is to resolve the primary conflict and give some satisfaction to the state of the characters. But, if you have any intention of making a sequel, you have to leave a teaser. You have to let the viewer know that there is more to come and whet their appetite for it. So, the ending of the movie has to resolve the movie you are watching and, yet, take the first step in continuing the story.
I realize that this is exactly what happens at the moment we accept Christ. We are justified, which means that our sins have been forgiven and we have escaped the penalties we would have endured for our actions. This is a crucial event in our lives because it resolves the singular problem of the human condition.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
This is the last act of the first movie in your life. It resolves the sin problem you were born with. It resolves the conflict. But, that’s not the end of the story.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
The moment of justification is simply the opening act for the sequel. You are a new creation and God has many more plans for you. You will have the opportunity to continue to grow closer to Christ and become more like Him. Your justification was not the end of the story. It does not become “happily ever after” from that point on. No, the story changes. There is more to do and you can pursue it or avoid it at your own peril. You will have a hand in the continuing story.
God came through to resolve your first movie. Are the sequels going to be any good?