Hunger Games

I recently had the chance to read "The Hunger Games," by Suzanne Collins.  The basic premise of the story is that North America has become a country called Panem, which consists of  the Capital and 13 outlying Districts.  The Capital rules the Districts, but 75 years ago the Districts rebelled and District 13 was obliterated; the remaining Districts now function in virtual slavery.  As punishment and perpetual reminder of their failed rebellion, the Capital created The Hunger Games.  Each District must send a boy and a girl  aged  12 to 18 (called Tributes), to compete in a kill-or-be-killed death match for the entertainment of the Capital, and required viewing for the people in the Districts.  The winning Tribute earns a life of relative wealth and ease for the rest of their life, and earns favor and special rations of food and supplies for their entire District until the next Games.

The story, then, tells the tale of Katniss Everdeen, who winds up as the girl Tribute from District 12.  The book is a  fast-paced read, well written and engaging.  Even though it is labeled as a book for young people (in the bookstore you'll find it with things like "Twilight", and my local library has it in their Young Peoples Fiction collection), I found it an enjoyable and worthwhile read and recommend it for adult reading, too.  But, my main purpose today wan't just a book review...

What I find rolling around in my mind today from this story is the perpetual reminder, the perpetual sacrifice inflicted on the Districts by the Capital.  That is why the Capital holds the Games: to remind the Districts that resistance is futile, and to assert their dominance.

Thankfully, our gracious God does not treat us the way the Capital treats the Districts!  Can you imagine life with a reminder of ever sin, every shortcoming, every bad decision being perpetually waved before your eyes?  With the price for that sin being perpetually demanded?  With forgiveness not an option?

Thankfully our gracious God made a sacrifice of his Son, once for all, to pay for our sins.  And our gracious God chooses to forget our forgiven sins, so that we can live life in hope and thanksgiving.  All that's required is to acknowledge our sins, confess them to God, repent and ask forgiveness, and do our best to live a renewed life.

You might consider whether there is anyone you perpetually remind and punish for their past sins against you.  Is there a relative, friend, acquaintance, or co-worker who's past bad behavior you just can't let go of?  Or maybe that person is yourself?  I invite you to consider how God will so graciously forgive us, and where you might need to try to do the same.