"Eyes have not seen nor ears heard what the Lord has in store for those who love Him." When Jon called yesterday to tell me The Passion was showing in Doha I was indeed amazed. For a glimmer of a second I had thought, "Well, maybe it could come." But everyone said there was no way. It does make me wonder what God is up to because indeed it is here! Jon went last night and I went tonight.
It is a very draining, exhausting movie. A five minute crucifixion is enough for most of us and spare us the flogging, please. It shows so much blood, the blood of Christ! It is so well acted, the visual effects are stunning. I loved it when Jesus put the ear back on the Roman soldier, how scripture was intertwined throughout, how it showed the Lord's Supper throughout the crucifixion. The symbolism is so clear. I had never thought of Mary being there throughout the whole ordeal but it made sense for her to be there. Where else would she be? Her mother's heart is so poignant as it shows flashbacks of Jesus as a little boy, as a man. That she would kiss His bloody foot while on the cross and then when the guard spears His side and the blood and water spew out how it falls right on them. They seem to understand how precious it is and actually welcome the blood that has sprayed on them.
The flogging was merciless. I found myself thinking, "What if God asked me to be beaten for my faith? Could I do any less with Christ helping me?" Why do I expect acceptance from the world when I know we're enemies?
I was praying during the course of the movie because there were so many Muslims there, that God would open their eyes. That's what I wasn't prepared for: as Jesus walked out of the tomb and the credits began to play the men in typical Arabic dress began to rise and walk out of the theater. Many veiled women exited as well. I wish I could have been alone for awhile and just been quiet. I was overwhelmed in crying, I almost couldn't stop. A friend next to me told me not to forget it has a happy ending. I wasn't crying for sadness, exactly, or not sadness for myself but there was a burden for those around me. I know Jesus is risen! But the spiritual darkness of those walking out! I knew they'd heard the truth and would to God it would set them free!
Favorite parts - when Jesus crushes the serpent's head! And the tear of God after Jesus says, "It is accomplished." Precious. We continue to shake our heads in wonderment at God's hand in the movie. May He pour out His Spirit in a dry and parched land!
Posted by nellie at March 22, 2004 11:23 PM