3. Drama

 Consider most shows we watch.  The main character is stuck in some sort of dilemma.  Maybe it's a quest, or a relationship issue.  They start to work their way out of their problem.  We can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  We identify with them.  We are hoping they can make it.  Then there is always a setback.  Our hopes are crushed.  But they pull it out.  They attain their dream, or not.  End story.

 Why do other people's drama seem more captivating than our own?  They don't hurt so bad.  Or they seem more vivid than our own.  Or we can comprehend them in an hour and a half.  Our dramas stretch over months and years.  They don't always come to closure.  There are loose ends and unanswered questions.

 

Often, we fail to see the forest for the trees.  There are themes imbedded in our everyday experience, but they are sometimes hard to see.  If only we can get above the trees and see the forest AND the trees.  If we can only get time for reflection, then we may be able to comprehend more of what God is doing in our lives.  He is weaving a tapestry of your unique experience. Step back and look.

 

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. (Ephesians 2:10, Amplified Bible)

 

The Amplified Bible catches the deep meaning of the Greek text.  We are God's handiwork, His workmanship.  We are handcrafted by God.  He has personally created us for a unique purpose.

 

David captured this truth in Psalm 139.

 

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them. (Psalm 139:13-16) 


Our life is a drama that is being written by our heavenly Father.  Like the dramas we love, there is a problem that must be solved.  We feel the tension intensely at times.  We look for answers.  Sometimes we find solutions, other times not.

 

In my teen years I was plagued by a quest for meaning and purpose.  I felt I was meant for more, but not sure what that was.  So, I embarked on a journey of trial and error- mostly error.  Good grades- empty.  First love- ouch!  Existential introspection- dark.  Marijuana, hashish, and a little LSD- weird. 

 

I decided to read the family Bible-too long.  So, I settled on the red print, those things that Jesus had said- fascinating.  After finishing the red print in our family Bible, I concluded I was not a true Christian, at least not the way Jesus defined it.  I also concluded that I wanted to be one but was not sure how.  I thought I would have to join a monastery or something like that, which seemed impractical at my age.  So, I waited. And said a simple prayer, "Lord show me the truth."

 


For me the struggle seems innocent- the search for meaning.  But is it really that innocent? Isn't the emptiness I felt due to my alienation from God?  "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee"- Augustine.  When we live independently from our creator it leaves us empty.  This is not innocent at all, it's the very definition of sinfulness.  If God created us for a relationship with Him, surely one of independence is empty and futile. "Hamartia" is the Greek word for sin most often found in the New Testament.  It literally means "missing the mark"- often used as an archery term- the distance between the bullseye and the arrow. It was my sin that had me alienated from God.  As a result, I was lost.


Questions to consider:

  1. What is the main theme of your drama?  
  2. Is it the quest for meaning and purpose, for true love, for success, for security?  
  3. In this fallen world we are helpless and hopeless.  We struggle in the dark for answers.  What has been your struggle? 
  4. How has Jesus answered?

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