Gladiator

Have any of you watched the film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe?

I happened to be up late today, watching the film. It is a wonderful film with a professional cast, captivating settings, beautiful imagery, heartwarming story... and it left me with a certain dissatisfaction that the protagonist who loved his country had to die to set his people free.

And whenever I have that feeling from a film, i'll begin to ask The Lord what He is trying to teach me through it. And as I reflect, i really respect the Gladiator's boldness and courage and love for His country that He was willing to die, so that Rome could be free of a horrifying dictator... so that the prisoners could be set free. One of his last words were "set the prisoners free".

And i begin to draw what i see from the film to what Jesus did for us on the cross. An innocent man free from sin, chose to die the most gruesome death so that He could set us, His dearest children free! He fought to the end, even though He was at a disadvantaged side because He became flesh, all just so that He could overcome the power that death had over us!! And i just stand in awe of His great act of love for me.

"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." - 2Corinthians 5:21

Now what?

God made Jesus to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God! And how do me begin to walk on that narrow path to become the righteousness of God? I believe we need to draw near to Him... and act in obedience to His word and the prompting of The Holy Spirit.

As I continue to reflect on the film: How many people are willing to die on behalf of their country? Am I willing to go all the way, even to sacrificing my life for God's people? May I be like Esther who chose to act in faith, even if it cost her life.

"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14

I pray that in every moment of my life, I will live a life that glorifies The Lord, that SHINES for Him! =) Truly I will live a simple life - that focuses on loving God and loving the people He loves.