Thursday, February 25, 2016

One Tree Hill and Theology (again)

Jeremy and I are plowing through our seasons of One Tree Hill. Before we started watching, I told him there were so many times to the gospel that is blows my mind. He's theology-driven and loving brain seems to point out more things than I see. I don't know if any of the writers were believers, but I do know that our hearts long for redemption on all levels. This is often played out in the movies and television; we are created to be rescued.

I must give credit where credit is due. Jeremy pointed out the falling episode's relation to theology. It has had me thinking ever since.

In Season 6, Brooke takes in a foster child, Sam. Sam is a rebellious teen girl in Haley's class who is homeless and living in the shop class car. Though Brooke has already had a run-in with Sam when she shoplifted from Clothes Over Bros, Brooke invites Sam to come live with her - Brooke sees much of her teen years playing out in Sam's life. Brooke's wild and rebellious years like structure and more importantly love from her parents. Brooke wants to offer this to Sam in hopes of calming her down by giving her the two things she needs most. One night Sam has a wild party in the Brooke's store; everything is destroyed including Peyton's wedding dress. Whereas Sam wanted to push the boundaries, she now recognizes that she's completely wrong and due to be kicked out of the house. Brooke returns home to find Sam cleaning the dress and a bag packed. However, Brooke will not let her leave.

Brooke disciplines Sam. Brooke gives Sam three weeks of punishment for what she has done. Sam is shocked assuming she would have to leave after having messed up.

Don't we all think this way. I know I do. This is what made the episode stand out to Jeremy and me. We think that when we mess up, we need to run and cover it up. Better yet, leave. We know we've made God ashamed of us - think: Adam and Eve fumbling to cover themselves up in the garden. But God doesn't turn us away. He doesn't sever our relationship with Him. He draws us closer. He holds us closer, but He does discipline us.

Hebrews 12:6 explains this clearly: "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by Him. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every one He receives."

When we receive the Lord's discipline, it should be of great comfort because then we know we are His children. We are all like Sam. Just like Brooke held Sam close though disciplined her, our God loves us unconditionally. He saves us. He redeems us.


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