In Spite of "DaVince" and Damien, Jesus is Coming<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
 
The fact that so many want to flee reality has hit home in the six years I have been doing radio.  Listeners try to get friends and family interested, or just interested in the issues, and are hit with some or all of the following: "Don't make me leave my comfort zone"; "You're too serious, lighten up"; "This sounds too negative for me"; "I'm into 'happy talk'--not gloom and doom." 
 
The 21st Century didn't start off too hot and caused people to want to escape from reality.  The images of airplanes flying into buildings instilled fear though both fear and the memories seemed short-lived.  For those with an eye on the sky and longing for the Lord's return, such events reminded us that the King is coming, indeed, sooner than we might think, for He is coming in perilous times (II Timothy 3).
 
Recently my thinking was confirmed when a friend informed me of some Wall Street Journal stats.  In just two weeks, "The DaVinci Code" earned $145 million.  In four weeks, "United 93" earned $30 million.  While there is little biblical relevance to "United 93," it is a story about love of country, bravery, and the ultimate sacrifice of some brave passengers aware that 9/11 was taking place and their determination to not let "United 93" make its intended goal.
 
I believe there are multiple messages in the stats concerning the two movies.  First, people will do anything to not feel uncomfortable.  Feeling uncomfortable means change is needed.  The ultimate in being uncomfortable is the nagging thought that there might be a literal hell.  So then let's nullify the Bible and flock to "The DaVinci Code" which makes us feel intrigued and that can nullify the most uncomfortable feeling of all: We need to repent, get right with God, turn our lives over to Christ and live for Him.  And you can leave the theatre fascinated with the thought that there are descendents of Jesus and Mary Magdalene walking the earth today.  Why, one might be your neighbor or your relative.  You, in fact, might be partially divine.
 
And now on June 6 we will be treated to a regurgitated 1970's version of the movie "The Omen" about Damien, the birth of the kid Antichrist.  What a one-two punch by <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Hollywood: Deny that Jesus is divine and glorify the arrival of the Antichrist on June 6, 2006.  I saw the original "Omen" and the scenes have never left my mind with more glorification and glamorization of evil.  Yet to be honest, it is no worse than "DaVinci."
 
Some are saying, "Jan, lighten up."  I would say that some day soon the sky might lighten up and there will be a sound of the trumpet.  The dead in Christ will rise first and then the rest will meet Him in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord (I Thess. 4:17).  In spite of the propaganda of Hollywood, millions will be gone but millions, even billions, will be left behind.  They enjoyed seeing Jesus mocked and they loved the glamorization of Damien, the Antichrist kid who would grow up to be the "real thing."
 
Please be about the Father's business while there is yet time.