3-31-13<\/p>\n
Many of the new games that absorb young people worldwide \u2013 virtually obsessing them \u2013 are role-playing games. Video games, \u201cgaming,\u201d computer games, hand-held games, are largely dependent upon tech innovations and New Media. (That\u2019s me, back there, in the dust.) The designs enable players to choose identities and play roles, and engage in \u201cwhat if\u201d scenarios. <\/p>\n
When I worked for Marvel and for Disney, and otherwise wrote fiction, the goal generally was to focus on one character, develop a personality for him\/her, and define a clear narrative path, with beginning, middle, and end. Today the computer gamers deal in bifurcation of heroes\u2019 personalities and narrative options (or quadfurcation \u2013 yes, that\u2019s a word \u2013 or further dispersal of story elements\u2026 what if\u2019s\u2026 alternate realities). <\/p>\n
My son-in-law is a computer-game programmer. As I said, part of my background is in comics and superheroes. When we get together, we usually talk about\u2026 the grandkids and the weather. Ha! Superficially similar, the new, popular adventure media are worlds apart from the\u2026 \u201cold.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, I got to thinking recently about the Easter story in a new way. Through the prism of \u201crole-playing.\u201d Can we imagine ourselves as some of the principal players? What we would have done? How we would have reacted?<\/p>\n
For instance: Judas and Peter. Two Disciples. Close friends for more than three years, the glue of their association was the mysterious and wondrous person named Jesus. They both gave up everything to follow Him. They listened to His wisdom, even when they did not always fully comprehend. They saw incredible acts of kindness, and devotion. They witnessed astonishing miracles.<\/p>\n
When crunch time came, however, they were traitors. All the Disciples scattered like autumn leaves on a windy street when persecution began, but Judas and Peter were different. Judas betrayed Jesus to the Sanhedrin, the sure first-step to arrest by the Romans. He did it for money, like spies who betray their country. Peter betrayed Jesus by denying he even knew him \u2013 three times, not once. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s role-play. Would you have done the same things? We can say \u201cno\u201d quickly\u2026 but remember, even Peter said he could never do such a thing when Jesus predicted it only hours previous! Which is worse in this exercise \u2013 \u201cfingering\u201d Jesus, or claiming to have nothing to do with Him? Remember also that Jesus, knowing all, told Judas to go and do his dirty work, in effect. Jesus knew everybody\u2019s roles in advance, even if they did not. <\/p>\n
The real role-playing challenge \u2013 and the lesson that waits for us \u2013 is the next level of their games. Both men were mortified, overwhelmed with guilt. Judas threw away his bribe money, and hanged himself. Peter cried for forgiveness, and soon renewed his devotion to the Messiah. In fact, I identify with the “early” Peter because he was always the impulsive and sometimes reckless Disciple, even to the Upper Room, after Resurrection and Ascension, till the Day of Pentecost. But when he waited upon the Holy Spirit, wisdom came upon him, and Peter became one of the great and effective Apostles. <\/p>\n
We sin every day; that is, the rules of the game don\u2019t vary: we all fall short of the glory of God. But the next level is amazing \u2013 we can choose incredibly different paths. We can remain in sin, or be so remorseful that we cripple ourselves. And, frankly, disappoint God all over again. A constantly repeating game, unhappy ending. OR we can confess our sins, ask forgiveness, proclaim devotion to the Savior, and dedicate ourselves to Him. Not just needing, but wanting, to serve others in His name.<\/p>\n
Judas or Peter? Whose game will you play? <\/p>\n
And let us not forget the \u201c2.0\u201d version of this game \u2013 which, of course, is not a game, in that our response must be deadly earnest and has tremendous consequences. <\/p>\n
But Jesus played a role, too. He fulfilled all the elements of myriad prophecies \u2013 chapter 53 of Isaiah, alone, reads like a news account of the crucifixion in every detail\u2026 except it was written 600 years before the events! \u2013 and played them perfectly. <\/p>\n
He role-played on the cross, too. He took the role of you. And me. We chose separation from God by our transgressions. We deserve punishments for our sins. We do not deserve to live with God in Glory; we fall short. But Jesus played a Holy game. He said to the Father, \u201cIn this story of eternal justice, I will play the role of\u2026\u201d and insert your name. Or my name, or anyone you can imagine. In fact, you can name people of His day, of our day, of people yet unborn; people who are sinners, even people who despise the name of Jesus.<\/p>\n
He came to take your place in that great game of life. When He died, the rules were adjusted. When we accept Jesus as God\u2019s own, and that His sacrifice, the shed blood, served just the purpose He stated, God no longer sees us \u2013 that is, our imperfect hearts \u2013 when He looks at us. He sees Jesus. <\/p>\n
Rate that Holy Game \u201cE\u201d for Everyone. <\/p>\n
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