Daily Archives: March 11, 2010

Any LOST fans out there?

Rick and I have been avid fans since the first episode. We even got into the mythology of the whole thing, tracking our notes and mapping the island and … yeah, we were a bit obsessed. We’re normal now. We tivo the show so we can watch it without commercials, but we only watch it once each week and never in slow motion anymore. This is progress. (I may have shared too much. Please don’t think I’m crazy.)

A number of people have written about the theology of LOST. While obvious parallels exist, I do not believe the writers and creators of the show intend this to be an allegory of anything spiritual. It’s a sci-fi drama intended for entertainment. That’s it.

On the other hand, God can use anything to make Himself known and glorified.

If you’re a fan, feel free to skip the next paragraph while I recap for those who don’t watch every week.

The Island has been ruled by two supernatural characters: Jacob, the good guy who protects the Island and believes people are free to make choices, and an unnamed character, the bad guy who can present himself in different forms, either the body of a dead person or an ominous cloud of black smoke. He believes people are inherently evil and manipulates them to get his way, a way that ultimately seeks the destruction of Jacob and the Island. Benjamin Linus is one such manipulated character. After following and obeying Jacob for years, Ben feels betrayed and kills Jacob at the prodding of the Unnamed. Once Jacob, the protector of the Island, is dead, no one is safe. The Unnamed goes on a rampage killing anyone who refuses to follow him.

In this week’s episode, Jacob’s adopted daughter discovers that Ben is the one responsible for his death. She initially intends to kill Ben in revenge. The Unnamed appears to Ben and promises him freedom if he will only follow him. Ben escapes into the jungle, but is followed by Jacob’s daughter. There he explains to her why he killed Jacob and why he plans to go to the Unnamed (whom he calls “Locke”).* In an emotionally saturated scene Ben acknowledges his total depravity then in the same breath admits his longing to belong. He desperately wants to be accepted by someone, anyone. Yet knowing how he has wronged almost everyone else, he sees only two options: death or surrender to evil Unnamed.

“He’s the only one who’ll have me,” he says.

She hesitates, then deliberately responds, “I’ll have you.”

These two lines echo in my head. I wonder if I love my enemies to that extent. Forget enemies; do I love my friends and neighbors to that extent?

Ben seems beyond redemption. He’s lied, murdered, cheated, deceived and betrayed almost everyone on the Island. He embodies an oxymoron of power-hungry and weak. He is not to be trusted. Yet this woman, who has been devastated by his actions, would rather protect Ben than see him surrender his life to the Unnamed, the evil one. As she walks away, her pain is obvious. This is not an easy decision, but it is one she makes. It is an intentional choice.

I’m going to be brutally honest with you. There are times I don’t reach out to unsaved neighbors because I just don’t think I want to get involved. I see their baggage and their struggles and weigh out whether or not I have the strength to be their friend. Do I really want what may come of this invitation? I am shamed to admit this. It’s an absolutely dreadful way to think! But I do think it. I’ve not accurately weighed the alternative.

If I don’t invite, if I don’t share, if I don’t involve myself, will they go to another who will have them? Is that really what I want?

Jesus said His followers will be known by their love. I wonder if my neighbors know me.

** To watch this clip, visit the official LOST website and select the clip called “What Matters Most” from 3/9.