December 28 Devotional
December 28, 2019
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:28-29
God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.
So who’s seen the latest Star Wars movie? Even if you don’t know a thing about the adventures of Luke Skywalker in a galaxy far far away, you’ve probably heard of the Force. “May the Force be with you” is the common well wish uttered by the good guys on the light side. They promote peace and justice throughout the galaxy through selfless acts, really cool weapons called light sabers and tele-kinetic powers through a zen-like understanding of the Force. The bad guys follow the dark side of the Force. They use their advanced technology to enslave civilizations, destroy entire planets and do all kinds of evil stuff.
A common theme running through all of the Star Wars films is that the hero begins the story as a nobody from nowhere. Despite the modest start, the hero is able to achieve great things and defeat a much more powerful enemy. In doing this the hero brings balance to the Force. It’s a yarn that’s been spun countless times throughout cinema, literature and history itself.
As I read 1 Corinthians 1:28-29, the word balance again came to mind. We’re really good at tipping the scales in our favor at others’ expense. Fortunately God is always working to keep us in check. It isn’t hard to identify the many instances where God used small people to do very big things in order to bring us back in balance with Him.
Moses started as a baby floating on the Nile River and eventually lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joseph the youngest of his twelve brothers was sold into slavery only to rise to second in command under Pharaoh. David was a shepherd before defeating the Philistine champion Goliath. And of course there was baby Jesus born in a manger and eventually crucified for the sins of the world. These people began life small and did great things in service to the Lord. God chose nobodies to nullify the overly confident and boastful somebodies. Light side wins.
Anyway… if you’re a movie geek like me, go see Star Wars, substitute the Force for God and see how the metaphor holds up. Instead of a sling, it’s kinda fun to think of David defeating Goliath with a light saber.
Submitted by: Stewart Grinton
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