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Yes! Please Subscribe MeMany of the underlying themes in the Star Wars' movie series deal with the struggle to control the universe, with a powerful force helping humans resist and overcome the menacing influence of the dark side. The Bible also tells a similar story.
Why, in spite of thousand years of struggle, has humanity not been able to forge a lasting peace with their fellowman? Worldwide efforts such as the League of Nations (created from the rubble of World War I) and the United Nations (formed from the devastation of World War II) have failed to bring peace and security. History is a chronicle of despots and oppressors whose vain ambitions have brought unspeakable suffering.
But where did such evil begin and how did it originate?
The book of Genesis documents the origins of the heavens and the earth and the creation of every plant and living creature, including the first man and woman. It also describes the peaceful paradise Adam and Eve shared with their Creator. But something went wrong when another being entered the picture, and the course of history was forever changed.
Influenced by Satan, Adam and Eve rejected God's revelation, and chose to follow what they perceived to be a better way. The fruits of their fateful choice became evident, when they were expelled from the paradise God had provided for them, and tragedy engulfed their own children. Cain murdered Abel (Genesis 4:8) and man’s pattern of settling his differences with violence was established.
By Noah's time humanity had grown so degenerate and barbaric (Genesis 6:5) God determined to start the human race all over again through Noah and his immediate family. But the world has once again chosen to follow the way of sin and depravity and is now far removed from the paradise Adam and Eve enjoyed before Satan and sin entered the picture.
For much of mankind it is a frightening, deadly place, filled with brutality, bloodshed and suffering, as well as the threat of annihilation from nuclear and biological weapons, natural disasters and terrifying diseases. The apostle John understood humanity was dominated by an evil empire and told us "the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19).
Some wonder how a loving and merciful God can allow such suffering to exist, but this is not God's world. God hasn't cut Himself off from mankind, mankind has cut itself off from God. God has always wanted a loving relationship with humanity, and has offered us a way of life that would bring peace and prosperity, and eliminate sorrow and suffering.
When God revealed this way of life to the ancient Israelites, He pleaded with them to make the right choice: "... I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19)
The Bible chillingly warns us that Satan is the true "god of this age" (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Appearing in the form of a serpent, Satan lied to Adam and Eve and convinced them God was actually the liar, who was withholding something good from them (Genesis 3:1-5).
Jesus Christ identified Satan as the originator of lying and "a murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). Satan’s lies to Adam and Eve cost them their lives, and his lies have been responsible for the loss of billions of lives since then. His deception is so widespread and so prevalent that earth's inhabitants have no idea they are deceived.
Eventually the empire of the god of this age will fall, just like every other empire, kingdom and government since the dawn of time. The fall of this empire, however, will be different. Armies, weapons and tactics won’t be able to dislodge it. It is much too powerful to be conquered by human effort. This great evil force can only be overthrown by an even greater force: the returning Jesus Christ. (Revelation 19:11-16).
At His return, Jesus will establish the eternal Kingdom of God on earth: "...There were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!'" (Revelation 11:15).
Satan the devil will see his empire shattered, and he will be bound "so that he should deceive the nations no more" (Revelation 20:1-3).
Then those who over the centuries have valiantly struggled against the forces of darkness will receive their promised reward which is greater than anything portrayed in any movie. The Apostle Paul describes their resurrection to eternal life: "...we shall not all die, but we shall all be changed... in the twinkling of an eye.... For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will rise imperishable, and we shall be changed ... [When] our mortality has been clothed with immortality, then the saying of scripture will come true: 'Death is swallowed up; victory is won!'" (1 Corinthians 15:41-44, 51-54).
An incomprehensible future awaits the victors in the real star wars.
The Good News Magazine