The long awaited fourth season of "Lost" has started - we sure didn't get much story development for a two hour investment. Maybe next week. I am intrigued by the fact, however, that this series has shaped our understanding of the term "lost." The term is an apt descriptor for passengers on Oceanic flight 815 before the plane ever went down! As we get to know them (mostly through "flash-backs") we realize they were carrying way more baggage than what's strewn about the crash site.
Take Jack, for example. Prior to being lost on the island, his life was driven by a hopeless quest for an alcoholic father's approval, skewed by an inability to accept his divorce, and crazed by the transfer of his wife's affections to another. But on the island, he is rescued from himself. He gains a sense of purpose, embraces his role as a leader, and rallies the survivors to defy "the others." Jack is FOUND at the one place where he is LOST. In several "flash forward" scenes introduced in the finale of season three, we are teased by Jack's realization of precisely this truth.
It is fascinating that this series is using the term "lost" to describe those whose lives are a mess. The world might take umbrage at being called "lost," but no more. Network television has now endorsed the use of the term "lost" for those who need a fresh start, whose lives need saving. That this salvation is realized as one is lost is an even more stunning revelation. It sounds like something Jesus would say: "Whoever seeks to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it" (Luke 17:33).
I am definitely NOT saying that "Lost" is preaching the Gospel. But, the popularity of the series opens up GREAT topics for conversation. Here are some questions you might use:
- What does the title, "Lost," say about the main characters? How are they lost?
- What character do you most identify with? Why?
- For most of the main characters in the series, they get a fresh start on the island - do you think its possible to get a fresh start in real life? How?
- Is it possible to lose everything you thought was important and discover what really matters?
I suspect that when we unlock the secret of this island, the good news of salvation in Jesus will NOT be the focus. But, between now and then it's OK to talk about what makes a man lost, and how sometimes losing your self is the best way to find a life worth living. Your conversation might open a door to sharing the Gospel, the story of the greatest rescue mission of all human history.
I think “stay at home” moms have an excellent opportunity to show their children what resistance is all about and what sharing the gospel is all about.
Uhh?
Sure! Mothers have such a lofty responsibility in today’s times (not so much before the Industrial Revolution though) to guide the spiritual formation of their children while in the rearing years. Mothers always have a chance to witness whether it with moms on the same sports team or the checker at the grocery or more apt to today’s culture the Starbucks clerk. Children are watching every move their mum makes. When resistance is met by an encounter, the mother has a most valuable opportunity to dialogue with her children about what happened. The child is now more equipped and aware of their surroundings in order to make a wise decision or behave in a proper manner in the future. The mother has just created her own “proverb” teaching if you will.
Posted by: Bo | February 01, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Awesome words about the show. I was wondering how to engage someone in conversation about it.
Posted by: Jeff | February 01, 2008 at 11:24 PM