Easter Cinematic | A Hero's Journey | Grace Creative Original 2024

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Grace Creative produced this cinematic experience for Easter@Grace this year. Check out the voice over script deep-dive below!
"Wild waste."
"Deep chaos."
- The Hebrews, Egyptians and other ancient peoples understood the desert and oceans as a symbolic idea of "nothingness." Before YHWH hovered over the "surface of the deep" in Genesis 1, the state of non-creation was likened to abysmal, chaotic oceans and vast, wasteful deserts. This is what the writer of Genesis 1-3 imagined "separation from God" would be like, and this motif would continue to be recycled throughout the Old Testament.
"A singular voice thundered purpose and order into the cosmos."
"The waters lapped upon the shores and the High Power held forth His hand saying, “Stop here and come no further!”"
- Job 38 is an incredible example of YHWH's sovereignty over the cosmos. Where the chaotic oceans rage, and the vast deserts dry out our flesh, it is God who commands the sea to be still; who calls the rocks to cry out. No matter how dark things may seem, God always has the final word.
"But for every call to adventure there is a slithering Chaos Agent covering the earth with its scales until only darkness remains."
- Whether it's the serpent in the garden, the Devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness, or our very own flesh speaking lies into our minds: the cosmos is subject (and often slave) to the idea of "the option." Ironically, any option outside of God's perfect will, is a wide open path to chaos and separation from God.
"And descending with wings of sovereignty was the High Power, the supernatural aid, the Hero."
- On our own, we have no hope of overcoming the antagonizing forces of chaos. We need a supernatural force to come to our aid and free us from the spiritual burden of sin and death. Who better than Jesus Christ, the physical manifestation of God Himself? Jesus' arrival on Earth was so significant, God legitimized him by verbally approving His character, and descending upon him like a dove.
"The road of trials led him to the Chaos Agent."
- If death and destruction is the ultimately weapon of evil, it is God's primary objective on Earth to conquer death and destruction, and to show us a new way to live and restore.
"And his blood would fall upon the earth."
- To conquer death, the physical manifestation of God in the form of Jesus had to be subject to death. Jesus' death on the cross was brutal. It was also necessary.
"The wild waste and deep chaos consumed the Hero."
- Much like the great fish that swallowed Jonah, Jesus was swallowed up by a symbolic whale of death. He took accountability of all our mistakes from beginning to end. He took these mistakes and buried them in Hell, where the spiritual burden is destroyed. This allows us to live free from our past and future sins, and instead choose the path of life and restoration.
"A singular voice thundered, and the Hero emerged from the depths."
- But the physical manifestation of God was not finished yet. Like the chaotic seas being stilled, Jesus also had authority over the chaotic forces of death. He would prove his authority by coming back to life three days after his demise.
"The culmination of his good work lit up the world."
- The opening passages of the Book of John describe the promised messiah as a "Light." Jesus would become a light to all mankind, shining a new path to life and restoration. In a world full of mistakes and shadows, living like Jesus gives us a firm foundation and a clarity of purpose.
"Like a lion, the Hero reigns victorious. All is good."
- Jesus is often called "The Lion of Judah," because he came from the line of the tribe of Judah. The imagery of the lion is a popular motif used in ancient literature describing someone fierce, committed, and passionate of his belongings. YHWH loves His creation. He declared it good in Genesis 1-2. No matter the size of the waves, or the raging heat of the deserts, God has authority over the chaos, so we can freely live.
Written and produced by Zach Golden
Voice over: Dan Marlowe
Original Score: ‪@KalRichmondMusic‬
@drchipbennett
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