*spoiler alert!
Directed by a woman and starring a woman, the 2017 Wonder Woman movie, has a surprising parallel with the Christian church. Movie goers watch the ultimate fight, as a spiritual metaphor emerges for Christians and the corporate body of Christ. A classic tale of good versus evil, Gal Gadot who plays Diana as Wonder Woman represents the god killer! She is fearless but uncertain of her identity. Ares, the fallen god of war, exhibits immense power. He professes Diana’s true identity while simultaneously makes an effort to entice her to join him on the dark side of this war. In his rage against humanity, he points out the futility of a fallen and blemished species, undeserving, weak and cruel! Diana sees what the darkness in people can do. She would be blind not to acknowledge the pain people cause each other in their greed for power and thirst for war. Nevertheless, she also feels love which proves to be more powerful. She thrusts her sword towards Ares to destroy him but it quickly disintegrates, “only a god can kill another god” Ares professes. Her weapon did not have the power, she did, “you are the god killer!” he confirms. She can’t believe what she is hearing. Is it true, is she the god killer?
This scene powerfully depicts the Christian church likened to Wonder Woman and her fight against Ares likened to our battle with the devil. Satan is always enticing, tempting, and gloating how humans hurt humans to turn us against God and each other. There is no good in him. He incites evil and we have all felt his pain. He delights in the suffering that we’ve caused each other. In doing so, he hopes to deceive us into joining his destruction: he knows his impending doom is quickly approaching. The church is powerful and strong when submitted to the holy spirit but she often forgets her identity in Christ. Jesus explained to Peter,
“upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).”
Jesus is the rock that the church is built and he has empowered his people to defeat the forces of darkness. Say it with me, hell will NOT prevail in your life.
The church is filled with the “god killer” who has authority over Satan’s plans and schemes. A queen remembers well, “There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods (Dan 5:11).” We are filled with power, fully equipped to defeat our enemy and we need to rise up and fight the devil! Yes, some have perverted the truth of this power. They have puffed themselves up as equals to God to acquire earthly wealth and acquire a cult type following, but ignore them! This is not the purpose of our power. Jesus sent out seventy-two of his followers: they came back to him and reported,
“…Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20
Is there an Ares in your life who has set out to defeat you!? It is time to rise and defeat the enemy in your life. Resist the devil’s enticements. Refuse to have an identity crisis. We can do it, we are filled with the holy spirit; more powerful than any other god (little g)! Believe the word of God and trust Jesus. It is not through our own power but from the spirit of God who lives in us. Cast away those mountains in your life, Jesus said, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:14)”.
WE only need to believe. In this battle with Ares, Wonder Woman renders powerful imagery likened to the Christian empowered by the spirit of God, fully able to defeat the enemy. It is not a Christian film, it makes no claims to promote morality or meet any other Christian standard. Go see the movie!
So glad to see you back! 😁