Christ-Like

It happens every so often….a movie comes out, and we say, “Wow, that character was Christ-like.” Or, “There were definitely religious (usually meaning Christian) overtones in that movie.” For example, in 1982, the much beloved movie, “E.T. The Extra-Terrestial” came out. Shortly, after it opened, the conversations began. “E.T. was just like Jesus!” Well, there were similarities: ET died, ET came back to life, ET “went home,” and before he left, ET lit up his finger, touched Elliot’s forehead, and said to Elliot, “I’ll be right here.” Yep…Jesus died, Jesus came back from the dead, and Jesus went home to heaven after telling his followers, “I am with you always.” One can see the similarities.

Then, in 1999, a new movie, a science-fiction, action movie called “Matrix” came out, and it all started again. Neo, the main character played by Keanu Reeves is deemed the savior. Again, he dies, he comes back to life, he flies away, and his life has begun a revolution. Yep, once again, one can see the similarities.

Today, there is a completely different Christ-like image rolling around in my brain. About ten days ago on this blog I wrote about George Floyd. One friend has described what I wrote on that day as “raw honesty.” I’m glad for that description, because that writing came from a very raw place of sadness, anger and heartbreak. However, today, I write again about George Floyd, but from a more reflective place.

It dawned on me today that George Floyd was Christlike. Like Jesus, George hadn’t really done anything wrong. Like Jesus, George cried out for a parent as he died. Jesus, on the cross as he was dying, said, “Father, into your hands, I commend my spirit.” George called out, “Mama.” Jesus was killed by the establishment of his day. George was killed by a different kind of establishment of our day. Many watched as Jesus died. Many watched as George died. But perhaps the most Christ-like thing is that Jesus changed the world, and the death of George is changing the world. I saw this picture below on the internet the other day.

This is a picture of George Floyd’s little girl, saying, “My daddy changed the world.” I hope she is right. I hope the sacrifice of her daddy’s life was not in vain.

Dear God, May we take this terrible thing that has happened and change our world. May George Floyd’s death be the spark that begins the revolution that ends racism. May we strive for equality, peace, love, grace and fairness. Dear God, please help us to make this little girl’s words be the TRUTH. Amen.