I was watching the first episode of The Kennedys. Apparently the dudes over the pond got upset about it for a variety of reasons. Thankfully folk over here like the good ol’ BBC had no such qualms.
Without giving away too much if you have not watched it, part of the episode covers the World War part where Joe Jr. and Jack serve in the forces and there is a time where Jack is missing in action. His father chooses not to tell his wife the news so as to avoid her being upset. There is a scene in which the father talks to a ‘man of the cloth’ and asks him to consult God for Jack’s safety. The priest agrees to pray and says that God will listen to his prayers as well. The father Joe declines the offer as he feels he has too many sins. Later when the good news comes through of Jack’s safety Joe is relieved though in no way inclined to build his faith in God. Later when Joe’s firstborn and designated vicarious Presidential nominee dies as part of the war effort, Joe flies into a rage at the God who could let a young man who has his whole life ahead of him die.
As I watched it made me think once more about why people believe. I can understand those who are put off of faith by fatalities and the bad things they have experienced. I understand that and continue to pray for the light of Jesus’ love to penetrate their heart. I know what it is to blame God for stuff and sulk because this supposed good God has not done things my way.
What the episode highlighted again for me was that believing God and embracing the gospel and committing to Kingdom has to be done with the right reason. Now that doesn’t always happen easily and straightaway, but it is something that becomes engrained as we come to know Jesus – as long as that remains the commitment. Believing god for personal convenience might mean missing out on all that and leaving ourselves vulnerable to disillusionment and the disappointment of not having the god of our making do our bidding, when the point of understanding faith is completely the opposite.
So be aware of why you believe, having a reason for the hope that’s in you.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
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