I've Been Thinking About This…

Another metaphor from Sunday School days. Bear in mind that metaphors are far from perfect – this one certainly is – but sometimes it’s good to change an environment in order to reveal new perspectives on the subject you’re thinking about.

The local Cineplex was bought recently, and has received a great many upgrades. The unbelievably wealthy new owners, Father and Son, Inc., want to make it a heavenly experience to go to, but it’s not set up in quite the usual way – there are some strange changes that take some getting used to. They’ve spared no expense, though, and they have a reputation for miraculous quality. It’s not just a movie – it’s an experience.

After a while, opening day rolls around. A number of folks decide to go see a movie there.

As people get out of their cars, a man is standing there. He has a fistful of tickets, and is offering them to people as they near the front door. He asks what movie they’re going to see: “Ah yes, that’s a good one. Have a free ticket….”

• One of the moviegoers, Alfie, says, “I pay my own way – no one can say they’ve helped me out.”
To which the man replies, “You can’t pay to get in – we’re not interested in your money and there’s no way you can ever pay enough for what we give you. The movies are all free – but you have to get your ticket from me. It’s me or no one.”
• Another person, Bertha says, “I don’t know whether this is legit or not. I’ll just go inside and ask. If it’s for real, I’ll come back out and take one.”
To which the man replies, “Once you go inside you can’t come back out to get one of these. It’s now or never.”
• Charlie says to his buddy, “I’ll bet there’s another door you can get in.”
To which the man responds, “Nope. No other doors, just this one. And no other tickets – just the ones I’m giving out for free. It’s here or nowhere.”
• Danny says to his buddy, “This is too weird. Movies aren’t supposed to work this way. Let’s go to another movie house where they do things the way we’re used to.”
To which the man replies, “Well, my father and I own the Cineplex, and this is how it works. You don’t have to be here – but I wish you would stay. And I’ll guarantee it will be better than anything you’ll experience at another cinema.”
• Later on, Ethel says much the same as Danny, and gets the same reply.
Her family owns another local cinema and she drives off, furious, to speak with her father.
• Fanny asks, “What’s the catch? There’s always a catch – no free lunch – you only get what you pay for.”
To which the man replies, “No catch. Just take the free ticket – then the house is open to you.”
• Gus simply says, “Great! Thanks!” and takes the ticket.
To which the man replies with a wide smile, “Welcome home! Got a feeling you and I are going to be good friends.”

Turns out it’s a lifetime pass. He walks into the theatre and into the most incredible place he’s ever been.

Alfie: Believes in working his way into heaven.
Bertha: Wants proof of heaven before she commits.
Charlie: Believes there are other ways into heaven besides Jesus.
Danny: Doesn’t like the way Christianity works – prefers the way of the world.
Ethel: Actively acting against Christ because of vested/rival interest – in Jesus’ day these were the Pharisees.
Fannie: The cynic, doesn’t trust that there are no strings attached to the free gift.
Gus: Gus Gets the Godly Gift of Grace.

Send article as PDF to