"May the 4th" has been claimed by Star Wars fans worldwide. “May the Fourth be with you”. A bit corny, but it’s a real thing! The first Star Wars movie introduced us to Luke Skywalker, Hans Solo, a Wookie, a Princess, an iconic villain with breathing issues, Jedi knights, and “the Force”. It was made for $11 million, and grossed $775,000,000. The twelve Star Wars franchise movies have made over $10 billion. Wow!

My first introduction to the Rebel alliance and the evil empire was the second installment, “The Empire Strikes Back.” I was hooked.

More than a battle between good and evil, there is a power (the Force) that permeates the universe. Luke, and those with particular genetic sensitivities, are told to “tap” into this “Force”. Luke is taught to “use the Force”, to let it flow through him as he fights his enemies. The phrase “use the force” is telling.

Here’s the connection with today’s passage (it’s about time!) … many of us believe Christian faith will allow us to “use” God’s power to get what we want, to avoid pain, to control our circumstances and future.

This is where Star Wars and Christian faith diverge. God is not a power we can use or manipulate. His power is not vague, flowing through all aspects of creation, ready for us to “tap” into it. His force is unmatched, personal, direct, intentional, accomplishing His purposes not ours. We may want God to give us what we want, when we want, how we want … He doesn’t. His power is at work in this world, in us, even taking the worst of evil, and bending it, all things, for our eternal good. It is His power, not ours. Thankfully! When we do get what we ask for … watch out … it’s not always what is best.