Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Is God Our Head Gamemaker?




While watching Catching Fire this past weekend with my family, I was amazed at the intricacies of how the Gamemakers manipulated circumstances toward their end.  I wonder, is God merely the masterful Gamemaker of my life?

For the few who are not familiar with the Hunger Games phenom, author Suzanne Collins creates a post-apocalyptic North America that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history and during the quelling of a rebellion against the Capitol, an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games was created in punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol. Each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. "Tributes" from each district are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

The games are masterfully and technologically developed in a real-life arena by a group of Game Makers, Plutarch Heavensbee being the Head Gamemaker in the latest movie, Catching Fire.  The gamemakers manipulate circumstances and participants toward their gamesmanship end of the glory of the Capital.

I wonder, does  "Heavensbee" have any hidden reference to Heaven's sovereignty in the book?

As believers in the God of the universe, most followers of Christ acknowledge He is in control of our real-life arena and is working, skeptics would say manipulating, circumstances for His ultimate glory.  So is God nothing more than the Head Gamemaker?

As I was reading God's instructions for the game of life, the Bible, I encountered one of many key element that sets Him apart from the Gamemaker of the Hunger Games.  God works all things together for His glory, but also FOR OUR GOOD!  This compassion of God sets his sovereignty apart.

1 Peter 5:6 reminds us of His sovereignty and our submission...
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand...

Alone these words would sound as ominous as participating in life-sucking Hunger Games.

But God adds this life-giving caveat...

that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

There it is.  Along with many other characteristics, what sets God apart from Heavensbee is His care.

I am thankful God is orchestrating the circumstances of my life together both for His glory as my Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, but also for my good as His child.  HE CARES FOR ME!  This grace-filled truth amazes this undeserving, rebellious poor, weak man.

Do you think God is the Head Gamemaker?  How do you respond to His sovereignty?  Do you recognize His care in the game of your life?