Robin Hood

We don't have cable TV at our house and really don't spend much time at all in front of the TV, but we were given a free subscription to Amazon Prime which includes Unlimited Videos, so we've been selectively watching a few movies as well as some TV series.  One of the shows we watched was a TV series, "Robin Hood" that the BBC did. I think the series went on for three seasons.  Watching them like this cuts out the commercials, so you can watch an hour-long episode in 42 minutes.  Over the winter, we watched all three seasons, sometimes watching 2 episodes in a night.  It was a fun, family friendly diversion that we looked forward to.

There was action, adventure, suspense, silliness, and even a little romance thrown in with Robin and Lady Marian.

I'm sure you remember the story, but if not, here's a brief synopsis.  King Richard the Lion heart was away in the Middle East involved with the Crusades in battling Muslim invaders.  While gone, a power vacuum enabled an evil, lawless Sheriff of Nottingham to come into power and he imposed exorbitant taxes upon the people in order to enrich himself.  Townsfolk were kept in poverty and endured really hard times due to the sheriff's tyrannical rule.  Robin Hood and his 'Merry Band of Thieves,' a rag-tag group who lived in Sherwood Forest, robbed the sheriff's treasury and gave the proceeds back to the people from which it was stolen in an attempt to provide some semblance of justice while awaiting the King's return.  Robin Hood and his Merry Band of Outlaws did their best to provide justice to the oppressed during an evil, lawless rule while the King was away.  Does this plot and storyline sound vaguely familiar?

It was an enjoyable watch, light-hearted, funny, and had an interesting and new storyline each episode, but one thing struck us while watching the program was the striking similarities to our spiritual reality.

For Believers in Christ, our King is away as well.

John 14:2 NASB

2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

and while He's been away, an evil taskmaster has assumed leadership and he's a cruel taskmaster:

John 10:10 NASB

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

While He's away, the Word of God has given believers directives on how we should live and what we should do while we await the King's return.  (No, we aren't supposed to steal!!)

                Titus 2 NASB

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness andworldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and theappearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

And we can rejoice in the fact that King Jesus will return and justice will prevail!!

                John 12:31 NASB

                31 Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this                               world will be cast out.

Oh Glorious Day!