Posted by
ValiantForTruth on Monday, November 30, 2009 1:50:00 AM
‘Oher's story is about private individuals, about personal choices and responsibility, and about Christians.’ –Star Parker
Having taken my family to see this film, I can agree with everything Star has said about it. However, I want to add something that struck me about the story of Michael Oher.
Re: http://townhall.com/columnists/StarParker/2009/11/30/the_blind_side_should_trouble_as_well_as_inspire
The film presented a contrast between Michael and the other young men around him, but to a greater extent between Michael and Stephen. They both had the same opportunity, but their outcomes were radically different.
There is more to the story than personal choices and responsibility. The other important factor, often unspoken, is the sovereignty of God. It is also about the sovereign and unconditional election of grace. It is written that ‘God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise…and the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty…that no flesh should glory in His presence’ [1 Corinthians 1:27-29].
This young man was taken from a system that graphically illustrates the failure of modern liberalism and its idea of compassion. He was captive to the culture of dependency with no opportunity of escape. Through the Providence of God he is presented with much more than provision and opportunity. He has another person and loving family invested in his welfare and development as a person. This is what made the difference in Michael’s life that resulted in his success.
For me it was a beautiful illustration of the grace of God in the life of a Christian. From being dead in sin with no hope, to becoming accepted in Christ because of His great love for us that is able to overcome every obstacle and fear. The sovereign God is at work accomplishing His purposes in our personal choices and responsibilities. [Philippians 2:12-13]