Controlled by God

Writing relevant material for this show has proven to be a little bit more difficult for me.  Last show was fairly easy, as it had a definite theme as opposed to a general Gospel overview that Risen offers, in my initial opinion.  With the help of Malinda though, I think I've come to find a good theme or set of subjects at least that would be edifying to dissect.  This time, I'd like to take a moment just to talk a little about my role in the show, how I've prepared for it, and oddly enough, what I believe my role in the show actually is.  I don't usually like writing about myself so much, so I'm not sure how interesting this will be, but I nope you enjoy it nonetheless ; P

Last year, Ian (our director) revealed to us the concept of the show, and the lot of us were rather confused to say the least.  Jesus being represented through a piece of cloth, and not through a person?  See, I bet you're confused already, if you didn't know what Risen is about! ; )  Furthermore however, I was chosen to be the puppeteer, if you will, for that cloth.  Needless to say, I was a bit intimidated.  We all took a leap of faith though, as we know God works through our ministry and through Ian.

The purpose of representing Jesus through a cloth, for those who don't know this, is so that each person in the audience (and cast) will have to have their own personal experience of Christ.  There is no face of an actor to relate through, but one would have to rely on God in their heart and mind to show them Christ.  Last year it proved to be quite effective, and I have no doubt that God will do just as much if not more this year.

I had to do a lot of praying when I was first learning how to control the cloth, but I also found that it wasn't long until I became really comfortable with it.  I am still learning new things; new ways to emote with it (and my own body), and what cloth types and/or details I feel work better even, which is something I need to talk about with the staff I think.  During this run, I would like to spend more time practicing and dancing with the cloth itself to better understand it's intricacies, particularly if the adjustments I had in mind can be made.  I don't think it would be unusual or New-Age-y sounding to say that feeling a oneness with the cloth is something that I feel is extremely important.  Which brings me to talk about my role itself:

The common mistake most people made in assuming my role was (and is now) that they assumed I am playing Jesus, even if not directly.  Upon much reflection though, I feel myself that my role is playing the Holy Spirit.  I haven't fully examined every detail that might imply, so hopefully I am not advocating some kind of heretical doctrine by saying that, but that's the idea I've been leaning towards.  I feel this way for several reasons:

1.  My first appearance is holding the star lantern; that is, the star of the nativity.  I think it's safe to assume that the Spirit of God placed whatever that star was in the sky, and furthermore, that star lead many to find Christ.  Seeing as the Holy Spirit is in the business of leading people, I think that's a safe comparison.

2.  The second thing I hold is a window in the temple, of which Anna looks through to behold Christ.  Again, the idea of leading, revelation and understanding, of which the Holy Spirit is accredited for.

3.  Thirdly, I hold Christ as a child and lead Him as He is portrayed as growing up into a man, where at His baptism, He has the Spirit descend upon Him from heaven.  On a side note though, I am of the opinion that being the incarnate wisdom of God, Jesus always had the Holy Spirit dwelling within Him, but that the baptism was an outward, public proclamation of His identity, honor, and authority.  John the Baptist even admits that Christ should be baptizing him, but Jesus replies that it is "to fulfill all righteousness".

In summation, I think it's accurate to say that is what my true role in this show is.  Ironically enough, I feel if the Holy Spirit were not controlling me to be the Holy Spirit to control and lead the cloth (Jesus), I would totally fail at this. x )

Thinking about that actually, that really says a lot for God's grace.  Allow a small rant if you will:  I'm not a perfect man, and I don't deserve God's Spirit dwelling in me.  I'm surprised He blessed me as He did back when Risen first opened (and still does now).  In Winter of 2009, to my shame to admit, I stumbled in some things pretty badly.  This is the first time I've ever said this publicly, but I actually almost removed myself from the ministry because of that failure.  God has had great mercy on me and blessed me beyond my imagining though, and I am that much more thankful to be a part of this ministry and do what I do because of that.

"He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our offenses.  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His faithful love towards those who fear Him.  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.  For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust." - Psalm 103:10-14, HCSB

I think for me next entry I'll talk a little bit about the Holy Spirit, His role in the Trinity, and His role in us.  Stay tuned!

A Foreword for 2011

What an exciting year it has been already!  January is soon coming to a close, and with that, the beginning of our 2011 season.  It will be a year to remember I am sure.

I'm going to keep this entry brief however, as the primary focus of this blog is for theological commentary pertaining to the respective shows that are running... but I just wanted to say a few personal words before we get into all that later on this year.

Faith is, biblically speaking, trust merited by worthy cause.  It is trust that God will provide, that He already has provided, and it is trust in God when He takes things away.  Never cease in giving thanks to God for all of these things (even the taking away), for He is so much higher and greater than us.  We have all been given so much; let us not sin by fearing to lose it all, for there is no reason to fear as children of the Most High God.

It's funny how hard those words are to say.  I have been given so much already in this year alone, that my stomach turned as I typed those things.  But in God there is peace, contentment, and trust that has been more than merited.  Never forget that; may I never forget that as well.