I Love You…I Know
Just like the original trilogy, it would be weird if I didn’t finish out our Star Wars theme with a third and final piece on one of the greatest film franchises ever (that’s not up for debate, so go read another one of our blog entries if you disagree). I love Yoda and think he’s full of wisdom. I wish all of us had a mentor like him to encourage us when we felt like giving up. He’s got some wonderful quotes (although his grammar makes me cringe at times), but I don’t think he’s the only character worth zooming in on.
One of my favorite fantasy movie couples of all time is Han Solo and Leia Organa. I mean, what girl hasn’t fallen for a scruffy-looking nerf herder at some point in her life? He’s suave, dashing, and dangerous, and she’s a princess who is reticent to admit she’s got feelings for him.
At first glance, the quote I’ve chosen for this piece might seem odd, but I’m asking you to bear with me until you see how it relates to our relationship with God.
In The Empire Strikes Back, one of the most famous scenes is when Han is captured and about to be frozen in carbonite. As he says his goodbyes, he and Leia share a kiss. For the first time in the series, Leia tells him, “I love you.” Without missing a beat, he replies, “I know.” Spoiler alert – this won’t be the last time they say this to each other, but at the time, they both thought it would be.
While it’s very romantic, I think this has an application outside of our traditional idea of the kind of love a couple shares.
In Greek, there are actually four words for different kinds of love: Philia, Eros, Storge, and Agape.
Philia: The type of love found in strong friendships.
Eros: Relationships with passion and intimacy.
Storge: Found in family relationships.
Agape: Describes selfless, unconditional love.
After all, I find myself saying “I love you” to all kinds of people, not just my boyfriend. I’ve said it while laughing at a friend’s sense of humor, while hugging my grandma…you get the point.
That being said, my question for you is this: If you found yourself standing in front of God telling him, “I love you” – would His response be “I know”? When someone asks if you’re religious, do you say “I’m a Christian” with gusto, or just murmur, “yes” hoping they don’t pry any further? I’m sure it’s not the first time you’ve heard this, but if you woke up tomorrow and only had what you thanked God for the night before, what would you still have?
Han and Leia had their exchange in a room full of other people. They weren’t embarrassed. They didn’t care. There was a sense of urgency in the moment and neither of them wanted to leave anything unsaid.
Speaking of embarrassment (and lack thereof), the perfect Biblical example of this that comes to mind happens in 2 Samuel. King David is celebrating the return of the Ark of the Covenant (and no, this isn’t a tie-in to Harrison Ford’s other famous role as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark) to its rightful owners – the Israelites.
2 Samuel 6: 14-15 says, “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.”
In other words, they were celebrating God’s faithfulness in helping them achieve this victory. David was the king. I don’t know about you, but when I think of a king, I think of someone regal who sits on a throne and calls the shots. Not a guy who dances like no one is watching in the streets he rules over.
But that’s just it – David didn’t care what others might think. His love for God was bigger than his pride. Now, his wife Michal was no Leia. The next part of the story is actually titled “Michal’s Contempt for David.” Let’s read on:
2 Samuel 6: 16-23
16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.
20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
David stood up for His one true love – God. He’s frequently called “the man after God’s own heart” for a reason. Yes, he made mistakes. But he suffered the consequences of them and never stopped trying to woo God. It’s believed most of the book of Psalms, arguably the most popular book of the Bible, was written by him. If God didn’t respond “I know” to David’s “I love you,” I don’t think there’s any way we could compare.
What I do know is it’s never too late to say or show “I love you.” It’s the intention behind the words and actions that matter. Try to be more cognizant of how you’re revealing your love of Christ to others and to the big man Himself this week. It’s ok to forget to pray. It’s ok to forget to be thankful. But try not to make a habit of it. Don’t just assume God’s answer is “I know” – ensure it.
