Harry Potter or the Stone?
(Don’t Be a Muggle!)
[Expanded powerpoint available based on this outline: don_hawks@hotmail.com]
Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (TMNT)
J. K. Rowling, sends out a very clear message: “There are both Good and Evil forces and people in our world. And Good is . . . well, Good! And Evil is . . . dangerous, bad, to be avoided, and even to be conquered by Good.”
Harry Potter was born to parents who were wizards. A rival, evil wizard killed both parents and tried to kill Harry. Good wizards took baby Harry to live with his Aunt & Uncle, who were non-magical people, or “muggles.” Hagrid the Messenger arrives with a message:
SHOW CHAPTER 4 OF HARRY POTTER MOVIE (DVD), STOP AT 18:20 (time)
Harry wants to accept the invitation to go to Hogwarts School, but must figure out how to get there:
SHOW CHAPTER 9 OF MOVIE (DVD), STOP AT 34:01
There is one danger that Professor Dumbledorf make sclearly to Harry (and to the viewing audience):
SHOW CHAPTER 23 (DVD), STOP AT 1:36:35
The Mirror of Erised.” Its inscription reads: “Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.” Read backwards it says: "I show not your face but your hearts’ desire." When Professor Dumbledorf finds Harry gazing at his wishes, he warns him:
"..this mirror will give us neither knowledge or truth. Men have wasted away before it, entranced by what they have seen, or been driven mad, not knowing if what it shows is real or even possible. . . . It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, remember that."
Instead:
“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4 NIV)”
What are the Parallels of My Life Story to the Harry Potter Story?
1. I was born with a BIRTHRIGHT
.
“. . . a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God,” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV (actually, verse 9 3/4).
2. I am reared by “MUGGLES.”
Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls. 1 Peter 2: 11 (NLT)
3. God is at WORK in my life—even when I do not realize it!
No real harm befalls the godly, but the wicked have their fill of trouble. (Proverbs 12:21 (NLT)
4. I often perceive that I am UNLOVED, UNWANTED, and UNACCEPTED.
It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! 1 Cor. 15:56, 57 (TMNT)
5. I have been sent a written MESSAGE.
There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 3:14 (TMNT)
6. I have been sent a personal MESSENGER
Look, I am sending my messenger before you, and he will prepare your way. Mark 1:2 (NLT)
7. I must BELIEVE the message.
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Cor. 5:17 (NRSV)
8. I must accept the message by FAITH.
To do this I must take a leap of faith.
9. I will begin a LEARNING process.
Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Col. 2:7 (NLT)
Just like Harry had to leave his old life, you may have to leave some things in your old life--sins you practiced--and be willing for God to change you. But if you will ask, he will forgive. And I’ll promise you, being a real child of God is a lot better than being a make believe wizard!
Harry Potter or the Living Stone?
Whom will you chose for ultimate life?
Harry Potter is fantasy—of that you need to be sure. Jesus Christ is the Living Stone—of that you want to be certain.
My prayer is that you won’t be a muggle!
You can have new life in Jesus Christ—and that is even better!
