The Bible, A Miniseries

Easter night was the final episode of The Bible miniseries.  I’ll resist the temptation to ask if you liked it.  I actually think the creators of the series did a great job in accomplishing their intended objectives.

1)    Give a good summary of the story the Bible tells

2)    Provide their audience an emotional connection with the Bible

Their goals reminded me of hearing a Bible publisher several years ago say  “Behind the numerous study Bibles, the rainbow colors of leather, the eye-catching illustrations and the thematic Bibles for teens, for new mothers, for bikers and so on is to get more people reading the Bible.  And to get those who already read the Bible to read it more.”

For that reason I applauded every commercial during the showing that offered a Bible app, a contest to win a “Bible something”, Billy and Franklin Graham’s focus on America in November and Christian Mingle. It was a great night for Bible commercialization.  And I don’t say that sarcastically.  The iron was hot with interest and curiosity, so let it strike.  I’m so grateful for those who anticipated the opportunity the miniseries created and unabashedly offered their scripture-focused products.

Maybe you experience during the miniseries things similar to these:

• My friend had her Bible hand the night of the second episode that covered Jericho, Samson, King Saul and King David.  “I just want to check to see if this is the way it really happened,” she informed me. Way to go, girl!
• Did you find yourself on Mondays reading the scripture accounts portrayed the night before to see just how The Bible production aligned with the words of holy script?
• Did you discover, like I did, that some of the images I had of these Bible stories weren’t any more accurate than the versions I viewed on the screen?.

Did you find yourself saying:

·       “That’s not quite how it happened,” or “I hope they include…”

·       “Did John the Baptist really have dreadlocks?”

·       “I didn’t know Samson was black.”

·       “How will they part the Red Sea?”

·       “My, the people in Bible times had very straight teeth!”

·       “Was it raining the night Jesus was born?”

·       “Do you think Daniel was afraid when he was thrown into the lions’ den?”

·       “There sure is a lot of blood and guts!”

·       “Wow, I never pictured angels to look like that.” (Actually my favorite part early in the series was the angels in Sodom and Gomorrah, emerging from their hooded cloaks and whipping their swords around like Ninjas.  A very cool image for spiritual warfare, don’t you think?) 

·       “I haven’t read those stories since I was a kid.  I’d forgotten them.”  (Ta Dah!  An allurement to read the Bible more.) 

I admit that with all the sword fights, throat cutting and beheading, I watched much of the episodes with my hands over my eyes.  That was especially true during the graphic trial and crucifixion of Christ.  I could not watch even the simulated beating or nailing of Christ to the tree.  As gruesome as it was on TV, it was still play acting and the way it really happened was far more horrific than any of us could take. 

Apart from the Ninja-type angels, my major take-aways from The Bible miniseries are these:

·       An incredible redemptive plan is in place

·       An unbelievable price has been paid to carry out that plan

·       I have the opportunity to discover my role in that plan by reading the Bible

On the day after the last episode, I was mulling over a parable told by Jesus.  It is recorded in Luke 14 but we didn’t see it in the miniseries.  However the visuals over the last few weeks do help me better imagine how the hearers of this parable envisioned it.

… there was once a man who threw a great dinner party and invited many. When it was time for dinner, he sent out his servant to the invited guests, saying, 'Come on in; the food's on the table.'  "Then they all began to beg off, one after another making excuses. The first said, 'I bought a piece of property and need to look it over. Send my regrets.'  "Another said, 'I just bought five teams of oxen, and I really need to check them out. Send my regrets.'  "And yet another said, 'I just got married and need to get home to my wife.'  "The servant went back and told the master what had happened.

Here is an emotional connection for me with the Bible.  I’ve hosted enough events to identify with the Host of this story.  Once all the effort, anticipation and expense have been put into the event there is nothing more disappointing than people calling and saying they can’t come.

When the cost of “dinner in God’s kingdom” has been covered by the priceless blood, violent suffering, and inconceivable separation of the Son of God from his Father, there is no way that the Master Host will let the preparations and provisions go to waste. Hear Him calling out:

'Quickly, get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal, all the misfits and homeless and wretched you can lay your hands on, and bring them here.'  "The servant reported back, 'Master, I did what you commanded - and there's still room.'  "The master said, 'Then go to the country roads. Whoever you find, drag them in. I want my house full! Luke 14:15-23 The Message

Yes, give them the invitation, anyone who has lost all hope, or those who have been utterly rejected, she who has been trafficked, the person who has given up, the one no one believes in anymore, the guy at the end of his rope, and the one who seems too far gone and impossible to reach. Come into the feast.  Jesus has paid an incomparable price for your admission.

My question now is how will I fill my role, like Noah, Daniel, Samson, Samuel, John, Joseph and Paul filled theirs? I think it is to “get out into the city streets and alleys. Collect all who look like they need a square meal…” I will do it.  I will do it more!

So now I’ll ask, “What was YOUR greatest take-away from The Bible?”