Last Sunday, I had to stay home from church with our oldest daughter because she had a really horrible cough. We listened to a T.D. Jakes sermon on TV, and afterwards, she really wanted to watch Moana. We have seen this movie at least a dozen times since it first hit Netflix. While there are very obvious theological differences between the Polynesian and Christian beliefs, I have also found some really powerful teaching moments, within our own faith, to share with my children. Last week we talked about the idea that we can just come to Jesus, as we are, and He will be there. We talked about how the church should embody this belief, welcoming with open arms, the brokenhearted, the weary, the hurting, the hungry, just as Jesus would.
Take, for example, when Moana discovers that Te Kā, the volcanic demon, is actually a heartless Te Fiti. Te Kā repeatedly attacks Maui and Moana on their journey. Fighting her, they are losing an uphill battle. Time and time again, she comes at them stronger. But then Moana notices the matching symbol on her chest, the spiral on the heart. What she does next is an inspiring lesson for our children.
She responds with grace, and instead of running in terror and fear, she welcomes Te Kā to her. She says, “let her come to me.” Then, one of the most terrifying scenes ever to grace the Disney movie screen occurs, as this volcanic demon rushes across the ocean floor to Moana. It is pretty clear at first, that she is not coming in peace, but as she gets closer, something in her softens. As she realizes that she is welcomed in love, and seen for who she truly is. Moana is singing to her:
I have crossed the horizon to find you.
I know your name.
They have stolen the heart from inside you,
But this does not define you.
This is not who you are.
You know who you are.
Who you truly are.
We then watch as Moana restores the heart to Te Fiti, and full life is restored, where there once was death and darkness. The typical demise of a Disney villain is death. Here, Moana, becomes one of only two Disney princesses to defeat the villain, not with death, but with grace, restoration, and healing. It is one of the most terrifying and powerful scenes I’ve ever seen in a Disney movie.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
~John 10:10
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
~Romans 16:20
Come, as you are, in your brokenness, in your pain, in your anger. Satan will tell you that you’re no good. Satan will tell you that you don’t deserve grace. He will tell you that God would never accept you as you are. He will tell you that your past defines you. He will tell you that you can never change, so why not embrace it?
It is a LIE. Our God of grace knows your name. He knows who you truly are. He loves you. He wants you. And He will restore your heart, and crush Satan and his lies, under your feet. All you have to do is come to Him.
