Recently, I watched the movie Rogue One, one of the newer Star Wars films. It gives some backstory to the original 1977 movie that featured a dangerous planet-destroying weapon called the “Death Star.” In Rogue One, we see the previously unknown group of people who passed on information to Princess Leah of how to defeat the Death Star. In this particular story, everyone who is part of this courageous group dies. 

It’s sad. But it’s also heroic. And I believe Christ is revealing this same kind of passion and commitment in His church.

There is a strong belief among thousands and thousands of believers that there will be a breakthrough of awakening in the days ahead that will sweep the entire world. However, this might not be something we all see in our lifetimes. Even now, there are many who have passed away who did not see the full manifestation of this promise, even though they firmly believed it and heralded it. Nonetheless, there are still so many of us who will gladly give our lives to pass along the information that unlocks this awakening to the generations ahead of us. 

This “information” I’m referring to is the great mystery. It is the secret that destroys the Death Star of religion. This secret – the Christ hidden in all things – is waiting to be discovered.

Think about that name “Death Star” for a moment. A star is meant to bring life. It is a source of heat and energy and all the necessary ingredients for planets to flourish. Yet, this infamous weapon is the opposite. It is dark and mechanical. Manmade. Such is the case with religion and its lies of a dark “God” who is angry, distant, and separated from humanity. These lies are what decimate entire  people groups and nations. This is what needs to come down. And again, Jesus is raising up courageous ones who will give everything to this task. And it is the knowledge of God’s mystery that will fuel their rebellion against this evil age.

In the movie, the main character Jyn received the secret information about the Death Star from her Dad. He also laid his own life down for the cause, passing it along to her. Then, she was able to transmit it to Princess Leah, with the help of many unknown characters, before dying a martyr’s death.

Let’s remember that there are many with us, fighting for the same cause of getting the glorious gospel transmitted to the world. For there is a heavenly “princess” – the royal Bride of Christ – who will arise and shine in the days ahead (Romans 8:19). They will take down the false star of religion and fear. Our job now is to equip them. To encourage and guide them; and to model what it looks like to resist the empire of religion.

Let’s pass this Hope along, to everyone we can, while we still have breath in our lungs. Let’s be certain that our labors are not in vain. Generations to come will be impacted by all the seed of the gospel that we’re planting, even if we don’t see the full harvest right away.