Well, they are upon us. Like we have talked about, the holidays come screaming in on us right after Halloween. It’s funny, it doesn’t matter how hard I plan and try, this time of year always catches me by surprise. I guess that’s okay. It’s the spice of life! And we all know the spice must flow.
Recently I have been enjoying some of my favorite movies. Now, for some reason, I am a night owl and an early riser. So, sleep is not something I do a whole bunch of. I find that I am good with a full 4-5 hours each night. I understand that my Dr. would like me to get more, however, it’s not something I am going to take meds for, and it’s not like I can just will myself to do. Sleep can be very inconvenient that way. So, I watch movies at night.
I have compared the most recent Blade Runner 2049 to the original 1982 Blade Runner, and I have to say that I am more of a fan of the older version. It carries more emotion and attachment for me. In fact, there is a quote in this movie that’s extremely poignant, which is why I am talking about this movie in the first place.
This quote occurs when (spoilers here) the designer / creator, Elden Tyrell of Tyrell Corp, is having a conversation with the leader of a splinter group of AI robots, which Tyrell had created. In this conversation, he is talking to Roy Batty (played incredibly by Rutger Hauer), a soldier robot who has become self-aware, and has discovered he has mortality. In this conversation, Roy tells Tyrell of the many exploits he has accomplished, seen, taken a part of – both good and bad decisions, but incredible things, nonetheless. And in his monolog of these events, he is regretting that he is going to lose all these memories because he has an “end” date.
Tyrell responds to Roy with a simple but profound quote. “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long - and you have burned so very, very brightly, Roy.”
When we are born, we have an expiration date. None of us knows when that is, and unfortunately it can come too early too often for many. But we still have no idea when it will occur. And I find it so ironic that in this movie that concept is explored. More so than in the newer version, or any other movie I have seen in a very long time.
I find it interesting that when it is all said and done, this question makes me think; How bright has my light shown?
When knowing he was going to die, Roy was sad for the moments he would lose. As a Christian, I find myself sad for the moments that maybe didn’t occur because my light wasn’t bright enough. That I was always not a beacon for the Lord, that I didn’t stand up for God when I could have.
I know the Bible tells us that in Matthew 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master…", which describes a blessing from a master to a servant who has been faithful in their duties, signifying that they will be welcomed into heaven or a place of great joy. It's a praise for someone who has lived a righteous life and will be rewarded in heaven.
So, I think, that maybe in a sci-fi kind of way, I want to hear, “…and you have burned so very, very brightly, Tony.” I think that would be something I’d like to hear and know I had taken every opportunity to be a light for Him.
During this season, the season of JOY, HOPE, PEACE, FAITH, and LOVE, let’s be the light that burns brightly so others can see Him, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peace,
PTV