“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”
Hebrews 4:16 MSG – A verse of the day from the Bible presented in Eugene Peterson’s contemporary version called The Message. Accompanied by a personal reflection below.
May it be that this exhortation is a source of encouragement to you! Even in times of doubt and mistrust, may it be that you are reminded of this great promise: Jesus is your advocate and high priest and is petitioning on your behalf. Even when you think nobody understands, least of all God, this is a truth that is worth remembering and being reminded of.
From recent reports of the playing of this movie in India, it appears that many have their undies in a bunch. But for what purpose? Because religious sensibilities are getting hurt? Seriously?!
I found PK to be an entertaining and thought-provoking story based in part on fantasy and part reality. It is, after all, a story from the perspective of an outer space alien’s observances of the native inhabitants of planet Earth. This includes, in particular, observances on all religious traditions in India, including the Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain, and Buddhist faiths. There’s good reason to poke fun at all traditions, if only to shine the light on the ills and distortions that all traditions are beset with.
But beyond the questions of theological differences and the personal choices for the pursuit of one faith over another, there are two other strong themes that emerged from the story: one is the grave sin of succumbing to stereotypes such as the kind that label one community or people and pit them against another – and cause much heartache over time; the other was the unexpected one of having an alien demonstrate selfless love – the kind of love that sacrifices for the good of the other.
On the whole, a fun movie, and one that I have no regrets paying full-price to go see at the movies. The one sad (and hilarious) thing about the English subtitles is that PK was referred to as Tipsy all throughout the movie. You have to know Hindi to see the hilarity to that lousy transliteration!
Aamir, by the way, is looking buff as ever, and is an inspiration to one and all for what to expect if you’re pushing age fifty.
“So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you.”
1 Peter 5:6 MSG – A verse of the day from the Bible presented in Eugene Peterson’s contemporary version called The Message. Accompanied by a personal reflection below.
As we wrap up yet another year, isn’t that great advice? And what a contrast in our ways and God’s ways — Peter advocates that we live “carefree” before God, meaning we NOT stress ourselves out with the business of life and living and in even in pleasing God. Whereas, he is confident that God is indeed “most careful with you”, meaning, of course, that God is watchful over you all the time. Words of comfort, indeed!
