The other day, I saw the movie "Forest Gump". There is something about "Forest Gump" that strikes a chord in our hearts, and somehow strengthens our faith in the goodness of our neighbors. I would even go so far as to say that there was something Christ-like in this simple man known as Forest. I believe the movie "Forest Gump" is a modern day parable showing us what our Lord is like, and what we should be like.

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For instance, there is a scene in Viet Nam where Forest, in stead of running away from danger; ran back into the battle to save his friend. But, before he could reach his friend someone cried out, "Forest, help me!". So, he picked the man up and carried him to safety. Then, he ran back to the field. Time and time again, as he ran back to the field, someone would cry, "Forest, help me!"; and Forest would carry him to safety. But, he kept running back. It didn't matter that he was in danger (finally being shot in the buttocks). He was more concerned with saving his buddies than in saving himself.

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Then there's the fact that Forest Gump kept his promise no matter what. Even when his friend died. He kept his promise to him, and bought the shrimp boat. No one forced him to do it; but he had made a promise, and Forest Gump always kept his word.

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Finally, there's the love Forest showed for his girl friend Jenny. All through the movie Jenny was rejecting Forest, telling him to go away and forget her; while messing up her own life with drugs and adultery. Yet, Forest Gump was always there for her; protecting her from an abusive boy friend, caring for her when she was sick or strung out, always welcoming her back into his life. At one point he said to Jenny, "I know what love is"; and he did. He knew more about love than Jenny ever did, because his loved was based on loyalty and forgiveness.

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We have a Savior who knows what love is. For Jesus is always there for us. He protects us, cares for us when we're sick or suffering, and always welcomes us back into his life. Even when we reject him and mess up our own lives, Jesus will forgive us and accept us.

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We also have a Savior who keeps his promise to us. Jesus makes many, wonderful promises to us. He promises to forgive our sins, and deliver us from death, and grant us eternal life. But, promises wouldn't mean much if we couldn't count on them be fulfilled. Jesus keeps his word, no matter what. Whatever he promises us will come to us.

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And we have a Savior, who runs into the battlefield to save us; in stead of running away and saving himself. When we cry, "Lord, save us!"; Jesus will come running and carry us to safety. Jesus goes into Jerusalem, where the Cross was waiting for him. He was more concerned with saving us than saving himself.

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"Forest Gump" is a modern day parable that shows us what Jesus is like: one who loves us unconditionally, one who keeps his Word to us, and one who saves us. And that's what we should be like. We are often told to be Christ-like. But, that might be asking too much. Maybe we should try to be Forest-like in stead.

Your friend in Christ,

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