Summer at the Movies | Black Panther
All truth is God’s truth, and sometimes the movies present truths straight from God’s heart. This summer we will look at four of the year’s biggest movies and four vital life lessons we can glean from them that help us live the life God designed us to have.
We all long for a Wakanda, a kingdom that embraces us; but it’s easy to isolate. The true magical Kingdom is the kingdom of God, and we are the people responsible for working with him to make this Kingdom come and his will be done for everyone.
Black Panther
God has created all of us with a yearning for community:
A Father, a Family, and a Fulfilling Future.
The Kingdom of God is the true Wakanda.
We have the solution to the problems of the world.
We choose how to relate to the world:
Isolation—we hide in plain sight.
No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house.
Luke 11:33
Overthrow—we overpower the opposition.
We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons…
II Corinthians 10:4
Engagement—we share the power and blessing of the Kingdom with love.
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?...You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:13-16
What must we do?
1. Make the Kingdom your first priority.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33
2. Everyone must take their place in the fight.
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.For weare not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:10-12
3. Take the good news and the blessing of the Kingdom wherever you go.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.
Galatians 6:10
Live wisely among those who are not believers and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
Bottom Line:
I need to radically involve the world in the Kingdom for which we all yearn.
Next Steps:
Make a prayer list of individual people who feel excluded that you can include. Pray daily for them.
Consider groups of people who feel isolated from the Kingdom. How can you include them?
Share the Light. Make it a lifestyle. Try to never go to bed without shining it somewhere.
