Did any of you see “Dear John” this weekend? It’s the new release that pushed “Avatar” our of its 7-week number one spot. Why did “Dear John,” not a great movie, make over $32 million in sales!? “Dear John” is a story of redemptive suffering, taking the audience through a roller-coaster ride of romantic exhilaration to utter despair. And in the end, leaves you feeling good. It was all worth it. And that's what makes a movie redemptive. Anguish and suffering are turned around to everyone’s good. In the case of “Dear John” the audience watches as the lead character moves out of his broken past—learning courage, dedication, compassion and forgiveness.
The news events of the world are downright fearful—natural disasters of biblical proportions; war in Iraq, Afghanistan; conflict in the Middle East; the constant threat of terrorism; and the fear of economic collapse. In the midst of suffering, people want to know there will be a good ending. But in the absence of faith in a redemptive God, people will settle for 2 hours of feel-good fantasy (and popcorn). No wonder "Dear John" is a box office success.
Where is your faith in the current culture of fear and avoidance? Paul says “we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Rom. 8:28). Please note, Paul does not say all things are ‘good.’ Rather, he says God causes all things to work together [result in] our good. That’s redemption—But the promise of a good ending is only for those who put their faith in God and are commited to His purposes.
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