| March 12th, 2001 - The Matrix � Breaking the Code In the movie, The Matrix, the hero "Neo" learns how to break the machine code which binds him and his race of fellow human beings. He does this by overcoming the rules and controls of the program which keeps them all enslaved to a self-serving system. The people are kept alive as human battery cells and neurologically wired to a program which makes them think they are living, when in reality it is entirely software driven and computer controlled. I believe this movie to be inspired of God. The biblical and spiritual parallels are mind-boggling. Some of these striking parallels are as follows: The Matrix is the illusory system in which people are enslaved and deceived (II Corinthians 4:4 ). The Nebuchadnezzar (their vehicle of remnant free humans) provides a means of temporary refuge and is equipped for training and transport in and out of this system (Daniel chapt. 1). Zion is the final city (Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:23; Revelation 21:1-4). The Oracle tells you only what you need to hear, when you need to hear it (Matthew 13:13, 34, 35; Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12; I Peter 4:11) . Neo (meaning new) must learn to act on what he believes, not on what he sees or feels (Hebrews 5:8; Romans 4: 17-21). The traitor of the movie sells-out to the lure and attraction of selfish ambition and physical gratification and betrays the hero (Matthew 26: 14,15; John 12:4-6; I John 2:15,16,17). Neo is killed and resurrected. Neo becomes the first of a new race of super humans (Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:10; I Peter 1:3; II Corinthians 3:5-18, 5:17). Love conquers all in the end. This is not an exhaustive list and the scripture references chosen are only a few of the many. Other principles of this movie illustrated are: the concept of living things being stronger than inanimate things; rules and controls are overcome and fulfilled by the spirit of the law which is love (I John 2:27); light overcomes darkness; sacrificing your own life for others is heroic: faithfulness to the truth will set you free; nothing is impossible to those who believe (Mark 11:23); matter is only temporary and can be overcome by the eternal, spiritual laws of God. Love reigns supreme in the end. In conclusion, the book of Corinthians, chapter 13 states that faith, hope and love alone will remain in the end, and that the greatest of these three ruling forces of the universe is love. The love of God is abundantly poured into our hearts by the Spirit of God which He has freely given to us. The human heart is bankrupt when it comes to this type of love. This love is unconditional and transcends time and space. It is only available through new birth in Christ, who is called: the first born again from the dead, the first-born of many brethren, the second Adam, the Captain of our Salvation, the one who despised the torture and shame of the cross, but for the joy that would follow, in bringing many sons to glory, endured it. Jesus Christ, The One; the Son of Man and the Son of God. |