I couldn’t agree more with Shakespeare’s idea that our world is a stage and each one of us are its players.[1] Our choices and their consequences become subplots within the epic drama the Author is writing. I thought about that today while reflecting on the year behind me and considering the one ahead. And to think we made it to 2013 and the world didn’t end last month. I’m not surprised though. We are in the middle of a tale, or perhaps not in the middle of it but closer to its climax.
This is God’s story. We might very well be living during the musical bridge that brings us into that spectacular scene, the part where the Lover gets His beloved. God always writes happy endings.
We are certainly on the cusp of something that has been building up and building up since before time. How does one prepare for this? I think if we are ready for it, we know it. It is longing. When the world seems worn out, empty and sad, when we see how tragically evil it is becoming, and when we are aware of the aching lack in our own hearts , even if we are unsure of what that is, it is because we have been made for heaven. It is God Himself we desire. It is the uneasy tension in the plot.
Our Maker knows His story seems like a wild tale sometimes. This is on purpose. It weeds out the fainthearted. Love is not love unless it is free. He leaves room for doubt so our desire can rise up, then He rewards the believer with wisdom and understanding. You must know: the stakes are high. It is a true and living story each of ours is a part of—an epic one with dramatic twists, turns, and surprises. God’s drama is the original story from which all others derive from. It is a great romantic thriller-adventure, a comedy and magical fantasy combined—and all this is to simply blow our minds beyond all we can imagine or hope for.
Creation. Heaven and earth. A vast universe full of mystery. There is adventure, freedom, danger, love and sacrifice. Angels, the Villain and his rebellion. Heaven at war. The hero, Jesus, who rescues us. His sacrifice. His kingship. Paradise lost and found. A great romance with the Bridegroom. A wedding banquet. A “happy ever after” without end.
How can we know this to be true? Well, there are facts. We have more proof than lack of it. History verifies it, even what is unfolding today in our news.
More than even this, though, think about the way we are made. Our hearts confirm it. Story is what cements it. Like most people, I am addicted to stories. My soul craves movies like my stomach wants food. I go out of my way to watch previews to see what new films are coming up. An avid reader, I treasure romances and I especially like to read the book before seeing the movie. I enjoy the creativeness in fantasy films, so full of adventure, passion, inspiration, and mystery. I appreciate memoirs too. I don’t think we need stories to escape reality but because they help us connect to it. Stories confirm things and teach us about what we hope for and inspire us. We were made for them as much as they are made for us. We experience God’s heart and others pain and joy no other greater way than through story. True life is what goes on in our hearts after all.
I have resolved to be more creative about this new chapter in my life this year, to be more aware of the larger story mine is a part of. I invite you to do the same. God has the stage set for each of us, eager to see us play our parts. It takes courage to be true to oneself for His sake. Remember, He’s inside of us helping us every moment of every day. When we consider God’s heart and how He chooses to reveal Himself through story, even our own story, then we will be caught up in the midst of His great , adventurous love story.
Just think. Like no other time in history, people are coming to know the truth about Jesus—we live in the days of the Revelation of Christ (we truly know Him and what He’s done). Creation itself groans for Him. While the world becomes darker, His Kingdom grows brighter. Then, one day, full Light, the coming of Jesus will dawn across the entire face of the earth and it could happen in our days—maybe even this year.