February 7, 2024
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There was a time in my life, back in the late ‘90’s when, believe it or not, people would come up to me and say, “You look like Liam Neeson.” I didn’t see it and you probably don’t either, but some folks did.
Do you know who Liam Neeson is? He’s an actor who has played various roles in many movies. In the late 90’s, “Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace” was released. Neeson portrays a Jedi master named Qui-Gon Jinn, mentor to young Obi-Wan Kenobi, who ultimately becomes Luke Skywalker’s mentor. Neeson’s character is a Jedi knight, embodying the force of good and light in a universe full of darkness and evil.
During that time, I was on my way from Detroit to Cadillac, Michigan. It was about two o’clock in the morning, I hadn’t had dinner and I was hungry. I came around a curve and there in the dark sky was a brightly lit sign that read “Kip’s Big Boy.” I walked into the restaurant and it was empty except for a single table where four Japanese Elvis Presley impersonators were seated in full regalia. I felt like I had entered “The Twilight Zone”!
I nodded at them and sat down to eat. Eventually they got up to leave and one of them walked up to me and said, “’scuse me. You look jus like Lem Nesin.”
And in my best Elvis impression, I replied, “Well, thank ya! Thank ya very much!”
Several months later, I was eating lunch at Whataburger in Houston. A young girl about eight years old was with her mother. As they were leaving, she came up to me and asked, “Are you a Jedi?” (She must have seen the movie.)
I looked her in the eye, put my index finger to my lips and whispered, “Shhh.” Her eyes widened, and she smiled a huge smile, and ran back to her mother.
Folks, in this world there are two teams on the field: the forces of good and the forces of darkness. Evil coexists with good, and they are in constant conflict. As Christians, we’re playing on the good team.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we hope that people see the goodness of God in us. I praise the Lord that this eight-year-old girl saw the good in me and was bold enough to approach me and ask, “Are you a Jedi?” rather than cowering in fear because I might be the boogeyman!
The Bible says,”The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12 (NIV) There’s an ancient war going on in this world between good and evil. Christ has already won the final battle, but there continue to be powerful skirmishes in which we get to play significant parts. We are mighty warriors and our strength and courage come from our good God. Eternal lives are still at stake – precious lives still to be won and protected.
I pray that the world sees us as warriors for Christ, shining the light of His love and grace. Praise the Lord for inviting us to join His victorious team. We are blessed indeed!
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!”
QUESTION
As you walk around this world, do people see the goodness of God in you?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be mighty warriors for Your Kingdom. Help us to shine Your light brightly in this world so that others see Your goodness through us.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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