Saturday night at the movies

As a somewhat of a purist when it comes to watching films, I believe that you can not really experience to the fullest a well-made film unless you see it at a theater. Watching a movie on a square box in your den cannot compare to a full-screen in a "movie house" -- especially if it's the type of film Susan and I saw Saturday night.

We went to our beloved hometown restored Paramount Theater. The title of the film playing that night was emblazoned on the marque. The Paramount sign shined brighly, with lights running around its border. The lady in the cramped ticket booth sold us our tickets. Popcorn and drinks were sold downstairs -- for prices that go back to the 70's. It sounds cliche, but these moments bring me back to my childhood days when I spent so many Saturdays at the Mayfair or Ventura Theater in my home town of Ventura, Calif. -- paying a whopping 50 cents for admission, buying a Big Hunk candy bar for 25 more cents and then watching two movies.

At the Paramount last Saturday night they showed the classic mulit-Oscar winner, Ben Hur. Again, another memory moment. When it was released in 1959, my Dad took me to the Egyptian theater in Los Angeles to see this amazing spectacle. And I recall so well being moved by the scenes of Jesus -- his compassion towards Judah Ben Hur, literally giving him a cup of cold water. And the touching crucifixion scene. All that came back to me this weekend, as I realized that this film was not just about the character so well-played by Charlton Heston but it was about Jesus! What a great film to see on the eve of Easter.

I love the final scene (Spoiler warning: if you haven't ever seen BenHur, I urge you to rent the CD and see it -- and find the biggest screen you can). After Judah Ben Hur spent years of suffering at the hands of a friend who betrayed him, he was filled with anger. He wanted to get revenge. Then he met Jesus. He saw him crucified. And when he came back from the crucifixion scene to be reunited with his girlfriend, sister and mother (whom Jesus healed of leprosy), Ben Hur said, "I heard Him say, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.' I heard His voice -- and he took the dagger out of my hand!"

I lost it as the final scene faded to black and the curtains literally closed on the screen. That line of Ben Hur gripped my soul, as I thought of the dagger that I at times carry around in my hand. I need to hear my Master's voice continually speak into my soul, "Father, forgive them.... " When I want to get back at someone, or get resentful, or obsess over someone else's sin and flaws, I need to have an ongoing spirit of forgiveness and acceptance -- because He first loved me.

Lord, would You once more empower us by Your Holy Spirit to forgive one another and accept one another because You have forgiven us. Thank You again for the cross and for that empty tomb! In the Name of Jesus, and Amen.

Jim