In 1977, George Lucas reimagined the process of moviemaking by introducing a series of absolutely stunning visual effects that transported viewers into a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars was an instant hit, forever changing how we watch movies, yet the story itself had been around for ages. Lucas himself had mentioned that his movie was basically a classic western set in space, utilizing a story-telling device that builds on the notion that it is always darkest before dawn.
It works along these lines. An evil force is imposing its will upon a group of kindhearted people, when there arises a figure among the oppressed who seems like they could challenge the evil forces and bring relief to the people. Various small challenges ensue to build up the notion that victory might indeed be possible for the underdog, but then the bad guys really start throwing their weight around. Towards the conclusion of the story, it appears that all may well be lost, that the figure upon whom all hope had been placed will fail under the crushing weight of the bad guys. But then, when things look bleakest for the good guys, something happens to change the course of history. The hero rises from certain death, and the tide is turned. In one climactic moment, victory is snatched from the jaws of defeat, and the evil forces are vanquished.
Lucas was indeed using a classic story outline, but its origins go back millennia, not decades. Some 2,000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth appeared in the Roman-occupied nation of Israel, performing miracles and teaching with profound wisdom. His followers believed that he was the long-promised Messiah, sent by God to save His people. Yet towards the climax of his gospel story, Jesus is seized by the ruling powers and, on a Friday morning, is nailed to a cross where he would die an excruciating death. Upon his death later that day, his body would be placed in a tomb where it would stay Friday and Saturday night. To his followers, all hope was lost as they cowered in fear in locked rooms, expecting that they would also be arrested and crucified at any moment in a sweeping action that would crush their rebellion.
Yet on a Sunday morning following Passover in Jerusalem, days after his crucifixion, the stone that had sealed the tomb entrance rolled away, revealing an empty tomb, and the risen Jesus presented himself to his followers. It wasn’t the evil Roman empire that Jesus had conquered, but rather it was the ultimate oppressor who could no longer hold sway over God’s people. Sin and death itself had been conquered, bringing unimaginable freedom to those who would fully bask in this victory.
We’re coming to the conclusion of Holy Week, as the Christian church commemorates these historical and life-altering events. You are all invited to come and insert yourselves into this story. We’ll hold Good Friday services at the church on Daufuskie tomorrow at 2:30, to remind ourselves of how dark it actually was. Then on Sunday, we’ll hold our Resurrection Sunday service (aka Easter) at 10:00 am at the church, with an Easter egg hunt for the kids following the service. And if you aren’t going to be here on the island, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a church near you to take part in the same celebration, commemorating the moment when the dawn rose over the darkness, securing an eternal victory.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron