One of the iconic film series of my generation is to make another comeback later this year. The “Star Wars” series originally starring Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Darth Vader returns to our screens and this time includes a number of the original cast.
They have aged over time, though still bear the trademark signs and use the reliable old phrases that are associated with them in the original movies. The film is not due for release until December, but such is the hype that the film studios have released an action-packed trailer for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" showing spacecraft dogfights and a chase involving the Millennium Falcon before concluding with the unmistakable voice of actor Harrison Ford as Han Solo. "Chewie, we're home," he says to his Wookiee friend. Three words that announced to loyal followers that the original characters were back once again! The trailer was shown at a Star Wars convention in Los Angeles to an incredible reaction. “I'm 41 years old and I cried at the end!” tweeted one fan. I might like the Star Wars movies but I’m not that mad about them!
After Christ’s resurrection and ascension into heaven, the followers that were left behind clung onto his words that he would return, that He would come back to be with them again. For them, their timescale was a matter of weeks/months – they expected the second coming of the risen Christ to be imminent and this was the message that they were proclaiming to everyone. When it became clear that Christ’s return was not as soon as they were hoping, struggles and impatience rose to the surface. James wrote to a group of believers who were struggling with being patient for Jesus’ return (James 5:7). They were living under exploitation and distressing times, and James encouraged them to persevere. He wrote: “You too be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (v8). The finish line was just ahead and James encouraged the believers not to give up.
Two thousand years on and we are still waiting for the Lord’s return. It’s inevitable that people wonder when Jesus’ return will be. Christ told His followers that instead of trying to predict the date of His return, they should “watch” (Matt 24:42) and “be ready” (v.44). Peter warned, “The day of the Lord will come like a thief.” Then significantly he added: “What kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” (2 Peter 3:10-11 NIV). No-one knows when we will hear a few words from Christ announcing his return, but what is clear is that we are to strive to live for God — that’s what Jesus wants us to focus our energy on while we wait for him to come again.
Every blessing, Major Adrian