Match Point Opening Scene: Luck vs. Greatness
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20, ESV)
Last night Linli and I watched a movie given to us by a dear friend who asked us to pass it along after we watched it: Match Point. She probably asked us to pass it along not because the message is the best, but more likely because not many people will want to watch it more than once. By no means is it a "feel good" film, but Match Point is interesting and definitely provocative. I will not go into more detail, but I do want to share the opening scene because I think it is beautifully done.
The movie's themes, aside from commenting on the dichotomy of love/lust and marriage, strongly revolves around fate having a greater role than ability.
I love reading, listening to, and watching artist's explorations of the ancient question: how much of life is in our control?
One verse in the Bible that I believe gives us insight, despite how many Christians will disagree, is the one at the top of this post, and below:
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. (Genesis 50:20, ESV)
The NIV even translates the word as "intended" rather than "meant." There is a large difference between this idea, that God not only knew it was going to happen but moreover meant that it take place, is quite different from the common, "oh, God will use it for good, even though you meant it for evil." True, he will, but this verse, often misquoted, says that he meant it for good, and I do not believe that He makes mistakes.
*By the way, I do not recommend the aforementioned movie to everyone. To the Christian strong in faith, I do. To those easily offended, I do not. Indeed, the taking of the Lord's name in vain several times in the movie is hard to hear, but for some, the movie may provide insight without causing them to sin. The film is rated R for "some sexuality."