...which is really part 3, but we don't need to go over that again. Apologies for the delay in getting back to this read. Throw Palm Sunday, a Passover Seder and Easter in the pastor's schedule and some things have to be put on hold. Back to Chan.
Chapter Two: You Might Not Finish This Chapter
If chapter one was a call to consider how huge God is before we enter into His presence, chapter two is about considering how small we are as we order our days.
The chapter begins with a sobering thought--you might die before you finish reading this chapter. Or, the author might die. In other words, this life is really fragile. Chan shares a couple of scenarios whereby I/you could make a surprise departure from this world. I suppose this beginning would freak a few people out. One friend of mine who isn't fond of such conversation would possibly not finish reading this chapter--simply for the fact that she'd put the book aside! But, as uneasy as it is to consider, this chapter puts the brevity of life in clear perspective.
Then he uses a great analogy to demonstrate that this world is really not about me/us. What if an individual who has a part as an extra in a movie were to invite all of his friends over to see the film--and then, in a flash he declared, "There I am!" He points to the back of a head among a sea of people. You struggle to see, but in just an instant the scene changes. A two and a half hour feature film and the back of your friend's head appeared for a fraction of a second. Could he possibly deduce that the movie is all about him? That he's the star of the show?
Yet, we live our lives in just such a setting. This story we find ourselves in is all about God--beginning to end. And yet, somehow, we tend to live this life as if it is all about us.
At another point in the chapter, the author discusses the fact that this life we live is not stable. Things can change without warning. It is precisely this fact--that this life is so unstable--that has us reaching out to God. If life were stable we'd figure that we have no need of Him. Chan includes the story of a man he knew who shared the gospel at a memorial service for a friend, noting that anyone there could die at any moment, ended his remarks with the words "Are you ready?" and then sat down in his seat--and died. Talk about a sermon illustration! Chan also included a story about a fourteen year old girl who purposed to change the world--and how she did.
The point of this chapter is to have us consider how selfishly we live our lives sometimes, as if it is all about us. The author concludes the chapter, "In the movie of life nothing matters except our God and King." This chapter has shaken my thoughts for a couple of days, in a very good way. Good read so far. I'm on to chapter three. Any thoughts?
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