Taken with Paul McDonald and Britt Mooney
Title: Taken: A Reflection of God's Pursuit
Many action movies capture our attention with high-speed car chases, explosive action sequences, and heart-pounding stunts. However, "Taken" brings a unique twist to the genre. It not only provides the adrenaline-pumping entertainment we crave but also delves into the profound theme of God's pursuit of us. Through the story of Brian Mills' relentless pursuit of his daughter Kim, we catch a glimpse of the relentless pursuit of God in our own lives.
Brian Mills, a retired CIA operative, suddenly finds himself in a race against time to save his kidnapped daughter Kim. As the layers of the intricate plot unravel, we witness Brian's deep commitment to rescue his daughter at any cost. But beneath the surface, Brian's pursuit reflects the very nature of God's pursuit of humanity.
1. Unrelenting Love: Brian's devotion to his daughter knows no bounds. He traverses continents, outsmarts powerful criminals, and battles against all odds to bring his beloved child home. Similarly, God's love for us is unwavering, regardless of our failures and shortcomings. He persistently pursues us, eagerly longing for us to receive His love and be reconciled with Him.
2. Sacrifice and Redemption: Brian willingly sacrifices everything to secure Kim's freedom. He undergoes physical and emotional hardships, making difficult choices and unleashing his indomitable skills. This mirrors God's ultimate sacrifice through Jesus Christ. In Christ's death and resurrection, God paid the price for our redemption, inviting us to partake in a renewed relationship with Him.
3. Provision and Protection: Throughout the movie, Brian uses his expertise and resources to ensure Kim's safety. He goes to great lengths to shield her from harm and secure her rescue. In a similar way, God provides for our needs and safeguards us from harm. He is ever-watchful and deeply invested in our well-being, providing guidance, comfort, and protection along the journey of life.
4. Refusing to Give Up: Brian exhibits remarkable persistence in the face of daunting challenges. He refuses to surrender or accept defeat, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Likewise, our Heavenly Father relentlessly pursues us, not giving up on us even when we stray or reject Him. His pursuit endures through the highs and lows of life, constantly seeking to draw us closer to Him.
In "Taken," Brian's pursuit of his daughter reflects God's relentless pursuit of us, shining a light on the divine attributes of love, sacrifice, provision, protection, and unwavering commitment. As we watch the events unfold on the screen, we are reminded of God's relentless pursuit of humanity, inviting us to embrace His love and experience the fullness of life in Him.
So, the next time you find yourself on the edge of your seat, captivated by "Taken," let the story remind you of the enduring love and pursuit of a God who desires to rescue and restore our lives.
Quotes
It is difficult to live with God on mission if you just want a normal American life.
We are concerned with how to make our life fun, while God is out rescuing people because there is great evil in the world.
She wanted to follow a band and be in the audience, while her father was trying to help her become the one on stage.
God says no to some things because He has something better in mind.
We are afraid of what God will ask us to give up, so we are afraid to go all in with Him.
The world will never know your heart like God does.
The root of separation from God is a transactional attitude.
The point of God’s mission is to redeem and reconcile all creation back to himself.
She wanted to be a consumer, but God calls us to be a participant.
Our mission is bringing God to where we are and following His invitation to life.
Themes
How we are like Kim
She looks at her dad as boring, super strict, a buzzkill, mostly gone
She feels like she can’t be honest with him
Wants to talk with him only because she wants something
Cushioned from evil by wealth and comfort
She just wants to go play in Paris/Europe, while he is offering something her heart desires (singing lessons)
Willing to sever relationship if she didn’t get what she wanted.
She’s stuck in fear of missing out—“Look what they have”
She is completely helpless to rescue herself
How Brian’s relationship with Kim is a picture of the Father’s heart for us
Offers gifts that speak to the depths of her heart (desire to be a singer)
Has given up his life to be with her
Knows the truth of the evil present in the world.
Would sacrifice anything for her.
Trying to help her achieve her dream and be on a stage, not in an audience
More interested in what makes her heart come alive than anything else
His anger is for those who took her captive
He is committed, relentless, persistent in his pursuit of Kim. He would go through anything to restore their relationship.
We were rescued for a purpose
Kim was not rescued to follow a band around, but to become the one on stage
We were rescued to help set others free
Starting where you are is always the first step.
Resources
We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth by Britt Mooney
Washington Post article: Men are Lost. Here’s a Map Out of the Wilderness
“Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” - Luke 7:22 (NLT)
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” - Jon 3:17 (NIV)
The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
Questions
What is your honest perception of God? How is it similar to Kim’s?
How do you respond when you don’t get what you asked for in prayer?
How often do you wait to listen to God’s response when you’re disappointed?
When have you stormed off when God didn’t give you what you wanted? What was the result?
What are you afraid God will ask you to give up?
How do you believe God responds when you screw up?
When has God’s rescue surprised you?
More info
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
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