How many of you love books? What about movies? How many of you like the works of fiction no matter what form it may come in? That would be most of us I’m assuming. And, if you are a nerd like me, how many of you wish that that certain fiction was real?
Just look at the amazing characters, places, and adventures found in fiction. Who wouldn’t want to fight for Narnia, travel through the Stargate, or explore the galaxy on the Enterprise? Who wouldn’t want to train under Obi-Wan Kenobi, swing around New York with Spider-Man, or help Bilbo Baggins on his adventure to the Lonely Mountain?
As kids, we readily believed in these impossible things, and even as adults some of us still managed to hold onto that magic. Let’s face it, reality can be difficult. That’s why we wish that these fictional worlds were real.
Let me describe a guy who seems to come from one of these worlds. He can heal the sick and injured by only speaking a word; in fact, he doesn’t even need to use a word. He can also raise the dead, cast out demons, and summon angels at his call if he wanted to. He can perform multiple miracles like change water to wine and calm the seas. The best part of all is that he was prophesied to save the world, and he sacrificed himself to save us. And, after he died, he rose again on the third day.
What would you do if I told you that the world this man existed in was ours? That this powerful, supernatural, self-sacrificing man walked this earth and will come back again? But, not only is he real, he has none of the faults that these fictional characters have, loves us unconditionally, and will always stay by our side? You might think that’s crazy or I’m crazy. That there is no way that a guy like that ever existed. But it is true, and his name is Jesus Christ.
Why do we fantasize about fictional characters in the real world, but ignore the One who is real?
Why do some people bend over backward to keep from acknowledging Him?
How come “real life” seems to sometimes keep us from trusting in Him when He is the key to our reality?
John 8:44-47 gives us a good explanation of why we don’t believe like we should at first, but it also gives us an answer to this problem. In verse 47, Jesus says “He that is of God heareth God’s words.” Once we believe and accept Jesus, we are of God. We understand the truth of who Jesus is and what He says.
The truth can scare some people, that is why they try to run away from it, deny it, and bring others along with them. Some people are stubborn and don’t want to ask for help and don’t want to rely on anyone. Others don’t want to get their hopes up. We enjoy fantastical things as long as they stay outside the realm of reality. Therefore, when an elaborate story is said to be true, we turn away out of habit.
You don’t need to worry. He will not leave you once you have accepted Him. You need to give Him more faith and belief than you give all of your favorite fictional works all together. I know a good book for you to read if you want to learn more. Just look in a Bible and read all you can about Jesus Christ.
A long time ago, you gave a certain book, movie, or show a chance, and now you don’t want to give it up. You need to give the Bible that same chance. Once you start studying the Word and believing in it, you will never want to leave this either.
By Parker Kathleen May
