The Original 300!
Good Son-Day!!!
The Original 300!
Sometimes inspiration for the quick messages posted in the blog come from unexpected sources. In this case, I want to give a shout to my dear sister, Molly Jackson. I would be miffed if I did acknowledge her contribution to this week’s post.
Alex and I have been fans of kaiju (Japanese for giant monster) flicks like King Kong, Godzilla, more recently the film "Pacific Rim", starring Idris Elba (I bet that got someone’s —- Jo). Roughly three weeks ago, I saw trailers for Godzilla Minus One. The trailer looked like fun. I texted Alex to clue him in on the new film. This franchise is celebrating its 70th anniversary of the original film released in 1954 in Japan and 1957 in the U.S.
In the middle of this last week, Alex texted me and asked if wanted to go see the film. I saw multiple sources such as Rolling Stone, USA, NY Times, and LA Times gave the movie surprisingly positive reviews. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 94% positive rating. I responded to Alex by saying “Let’s Go”.
On Saturday, we hook up at the Plymouth Grand 15. We watched an extraordinarily well written and produced movie. This was not your typical man in a lizard suit knocking down set scaled buildings or super CGI effects. As a matter of fact, the movie’s focus was less about the creature and more on a man who struggled with his perceived flaws. He was a kamikaze pilot in the last few days of WWII. I won’t say much more than that.
I found his inner struggle just as interesting as the antagonist’s romping,rampage through the streets of Tokyo. This goes along with the principles of good writing. Heroes who are perfect in movies tend to have lower box office success. The audience cannot connect with the perfect hero as much as a flawed one.
When a flawed hero triumphs there is a sense of hope for the audience. If he or she can overcome their flaws; so can I.
If you are looking for that kind of inspiration and Godzilla is not your cup of tea. May I recommend an old testament flawed character who faced overwhelming odds, he was scared, but became triumphant in spite of himself through giving God a chance. His name is Jerubbaal or Gideon. His story can be found in the book of Judges chapters 6-8.
Gideon was called to duty by God, but was afraid of dying. God directed him to fight against an enemy that numbered over 135,000 men. Gideon kept asking God for verification of HIS will and the request was met with clear physical affirmation that Gideon is to fight 135K enemy soldiers. Gideon acquisted to God’s will and amassed an army of 32,000 men.
2 The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ 3 Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained.
4 But the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”
5 So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” 6 Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
7 The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” 8 So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. (Judges 7:2-8)
Needless to say Gideon’s army of 300 men routed an enemy army who out numbered them 450 to one.
At the end of the war . . .
22 The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.”
23 But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.”
Fitting words that are relevant even for 2023. God can work through your flaws and make you triumphant despite overwhelming odds bucking up against you.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Lesson here, do God’s will despite what you think about yourself. He knows who you are and can still use you regardless of where you are in life. Your flaws are not His obstacle. Say Hallelujah to the Great Am that I Am!
I highly recommend Godzilla Minus One for its sights on history, political message, the ravages of war, and Japanese culture. I would go see it again.
Now back to my sister, Molly. As mon frere and I were innocently walking out of the theater and talking about the profound imagery and messages from the film, I spotted a poster of the film posted on the outside wall. I kindly asked my sister to take a snapshot of me and my big bruh standing next to the poster. We both gleamed with angelic smiles and she said this out of nowhere . . . “Okay you two, be nice to your sisters!” It took me a moment to figure out what she was implying.
We were aghast when heard this! Wait, what???!!! Are we not always nice to our sisters? Can’t two sober-minded brothers go to a flick and take a photo next to a monster poster without some inference this is about our revered sisters? Alex and I are above that kind infantile behavior. We love our sisters. By the way, here is the photo. Striking, isn’t it?
Song of the Week. Hallelujah! Sing a New Song to GOD. Sing HIS praise in the assembly of godly people. Psalm 149:1
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