Musings sparked by Dr.
Paul Louis Metzger’s blog: “Pulp Fiction and Divine Intervention: Fact or
Fiction?” (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/uncommongodcommongood/2013/05/pulp-fiction-and-divine-intervention-fact-or-fiction/)
Here’s a link to a clearer
presentation of the scene under consideration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PeyiU3uWJ8.
Some will find the language objectionable, of course. And there’s a lot more to
exegete in these 276 seconds of screen-time. (Note: I’m indebted to Professor
Brian Fuller, currently at Calvin
College – http://www.brianfuller.org/ – for training in “Theology through Film” – TH
6340, Simpson Graduate School of Ministry, Summer 2007.) But here’s what
particularly strikes me in watching the scene again this morning:
Unredeemed, Jules
accurately calls himself “the tyranny of evil men.” Perceiving divine
intervention in his own life, he now recognizes in Ringo and Yolanda the
consequences of dwelling beside, rather than journeying along the path.
Therefore, he’s “trying real hard to be the shepherd” for the sake of “the
weak” who would otherwise succumb to the inherent threats of “the valley of
darkness.”
Two applications suggest
themselves to me. First, that some among the as-yet-unredeemed recognize, in
the brokenness of this world, the futility of seeking to win the game it
imposes upon us. Even before the Holy Spirit brings one to receive Christ,
there is often a longing for some other choice beyond those which are offered, and the
strong sense that what once seemed to be a pathway has become a damnable
dwelling place.
The more difficult
application, inasmuch as I am called “Pastor,” is my continuing need for
“trying real hard to be the shepherd.” Jeremiah 23:1-4 (see below*) suggests that those
presumed to be shepherds (due to position, privilege, and power) may be, in
fact, obliviously participating within “the tyranny of evil men.” Jeremiah
makes it clear that God’s plan is not thwarted by their failure. But given the
potential for succumbing to the threats and setting up housekeeping in “the
valley of darkness,” Jules’ final word (in that it echoes Jesus’ – “Go.”)
motivates me to keep moving, and leading others, along the path.
Still, the threats and
promises of the darkness are pervasive and often subtle. Those who are called
shepherds may succumb to serving that darkness, ultimately disabling the flock
that follows them. Presuming our own authority may even lead us to mirror “the
tyranny of evil men” in applying worldly systems and practices to ministry, and
to do so quite “successfully.” But those who recognize in themselves that
temptation, and in response are “trying real hard to be the shepherd,” may be those
best equipped to serve “the weak.”
*Referenced above:
Jeremiah 23:1-4 (NASB-95)
1 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and
scattering the sheep of My pasture!” declares the Lord. 2 Therefore thus says
the Lord God of Israel
concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My
flock and driven them away, and have not attended to them; behold, I am about
to attend to you for the evil of your deeds,” declares the Lord. 3 “Then I
Myself will gather the remnant of My flock out of all the countries where I
have driven them and bring them back to their pasture, and they will be
fruitful and multiply. 4 “I will also raise up shepherds over them and they
will tend them; and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor
will any be missing,” declares the Lord.
