Sermon On Advocate Or Protagonist?

Steven James, a Wisconsin-born American author once remarked: “Think of a caterpillar entering a cocoon. Once he does so, one of two things will happen: He will either transform into a butterfly, or he will die. But no matter what else happens, he will never climb out of the cocoon as a caterpillar. So it is with your protagonist.” Isaiah 2:10-14 confirms: "Enter into the rock and hide in the dust from before the terror of the Lord, and from the splendor of his majesty. The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day. For the Lord of hosts has a day against all that is proud and lofty, against all that is lifted up - and it shall be brought low; against all the cedars of Lebanon, lofty and lifted up; and against all the oaks of Bashan; against all the lofty mountains, and against all the uplifted hills."

Caterpillars are defined as the larval stage of members of the Lepidoptera family which is an insect order comprising butterflies and moths. They are considered voracious creatures and are listed as one of the most deleterious of agricultural pests. Conversely, various species of caterpillar are valued as sources of silk, as human or animal food, or for biological control of pest plants. When the caterpillar stops eating, it is reputed to hang itself upside down from a twig or leaf, and spin itself into a silky cocoon or molt into a shiny chrysalis and eventually transform its body into a butterfly or moth. However, the total lifespan from a caterpillar to death as a butterfly or moth is usually calculated in weeks.

Cocoons can provide new life and a source of invaluable protection which allow for metamorphosis to develop both externally and internally. However, it has been said, that hidden in cocoons, of all types, are also opportunities to change our own lives for the better. Just as the caterpillar takes the new form of a beautiful butterfly, similarly, we can also convert into a new creation. To ease the transformation and become awakened, we need to seek spiritual awareness. 2 Corinthians 5:17 confirms: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

A protagonist is defined as the leading character or one of the major characters in a play, film, novel, etc. It may include being the advocate or champion of a particular cause or idea. Jesus is probably considered as one of the focal characters in the Bible, if not the leading one. Even in His supposed absence in the many books of the Old Testament, He is still considered as an onward presence. His coming is being carefully paved. God's ultimate goal is to provide redemption for those who seek it. Achievement is through the birth, ministry and sacrifice of His only son. Judges 21:25 reminds us: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

It is the Gospels that primarily bring Jesus into recognition and acclaim. They note his actions and accomplishments throughout His earthly presence. They aim to substantially proclaim the Good News and to provide other essential information needed to encourage newcomers into the enduring and continual world of Christ. It is through the Gospels that we learn of the works of God's Son and His primary reason for being sent to Earth as the main representative of God. John 3:16 confirms: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Every film, movie, or motion picture as they are sometimes called, can simulate personal or general experiences. They may include ideas or stories that relate to real-life or fictional circumstances and events. There is usually a plot that remains the core or main concept of the film which will unfold at certain stages during the production. A basic genre is often depicted, whether that be comedy, musical, adventure, war, or a host of other possibilities. On completion, each one is viewed and a rating is given by a board of censors prior to the general release.

Acting is defined as an activity in which a story is told, utilizing its enactment by an actor or actress who adopts a character. This may take the form of one of three possible mimetic modes. High mimetic mode are stories based on heroes or influential people. Low mimetic mode which relates to ordinary people or Ironic mode which usually refers to people considered of lower value, such as criminals, etc.

In a film, the protagonist's role invariably relates to the person who leads the way forward or resolves difficult situations or perplexities. It is an important function that is often assigned to the principal or a co-starring cast member. It usually reflects the most regarded and valuable character in the entire film and often brings the basic theme or plot to a satisfactory or rewarding conclusion. Mary Louise "Meryl" Streep, an American actress once remarked: "Acting is not about being someone different. It's finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there." Jesus Christ, could by analogical reasoning, be said to perform a similar function in leading the way forward, resolving the problems of life and providing the necessary guidance sought. However, not in any fictional or celluloid world that may only last for just a few hours or in the short lifespan of a caterpillar or butterfly, but in permanent truth, reality and for eternity.