Read the book: Don’t wait for the movie

This past weekend the new film “Son of God” was released in theaters around the country. The producers are the same who created last year’s hit mini-series The Bible. While the mini-series tackled the entire Bible, Son of God focuses exclusively on the life and ministry of Jesus.

I have always enjoyed Bible-based films. It’s fascinating to watch visual portrayals of the stories. I remember growing up seeing a number of these movies broadcast on TV, usually around Easter. Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments and the all-star cast in the 1970s mini-series Jesus of Nazareth are still very visible in my mind’s eye today.

Some of these movies are more accurate than others in their retelling of the stories. I’ve read of some controversy over the new motion picture Noah that is coming out soon. Supposedly the writers and producers of this big-budget epic include some deviations from the Bible’s account of the ark and flood.

Regardless of the accuracy or quality of these films, the biblical narratives continue to be retold on screen and they continue to draw viewers because they simply make great stories. But we don’t need to wait for a movie to enjoy these stories or benefit from their lessons. We can read them for ourselves.

I remember when I read the Bible myself for the first time. I was in high school, and it was a life-changing experience. As I read the stories I had only heard as a kid in Sunday school or watched in movies, I discovered that the Bible is more than a collection of stories. They all point to one theme and overarching story of God’s love for humankind and his plan to restore our relationship with him. This plan culminates in the person of Jesus Christ, which the film Son of God describes.

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. This is the 40-day period on the church calendar leading up to Easter. During this occasion, many people make a change in their normal routine in order to devote time to draw closer to God as they prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and his victory over death and evil.

I encourage you to maybe do the same. One great way would be to carve out some time in your daily schedule to pick up the Bible and read the Easter story yourself. You, too, may find the experience life changing!