Adam and I started watching a new TV show tonight: "Once Upon a Time." I am not usually interested in shows that involve some sort of fantasy, especially those with a despicably evil character, but the plot of this show intrigued me. It is about the characters of the snow white fairy tale. By the effect of a terrible curse, these characters are taken from their world (unperfect as it was), and placed in ours, devoid of the memory of their previous existence, and forever kept from "happily ever after." The only hope of changing their fate is through the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, who, upon her 28th birthday, is supposed to be able to change the fate of all involved. There are a lot more details than that, but the basic plot is of good versus evil. Which will win out in the end?
One of my favorite Christian authors, John Eldredge, uses this theme as an analogy for the plot of humanity. Why is it that we often long for, think of, and dream of the fairy tale "happily ever after?" Why do we watch movies, read books, and dream for that time and place where things are right for once, without the influence of evil, the destruction, pain, and sadness? Because we were created for something better. We were designed to live a life where everything is perfect, as its meant to be. There are no barriers between us and God, us and each other, and evil has no influence or say.
The biggest difference I can see from our typical superhero movies and this show to reality, is that the fate of good versus evil is not left in human hands. We don't have to sit on the edge of our seats, waiting for the human characters to get all the pieces together, fight evil, and overcome all that isn't right. Its already been done. The battle was fought. For you and me. Jesus died so that you could know the war is already won, and the King is on your side. How incredibly amazing is that?
What a blessing, what a comfort it is to know that our eternal fate is not dependent on a bunch of futile human beings. The only thing we have to do is let go of faith in our own strength, and place it in Someone greater. Someone capable getting us through the darkness of this world, to the place He has prepared for us. A place where evil is destroyed forever, and true love reigns supreme. Thats a place where I want to be. Do you?
