The Leviathan in Me

My family and I have been enjoying watching musical theater over the last 12 years because of the influence of dear friends of ours - Aaron and Beth Alsmeyer. For several years, they directed a local high school homeschool troupe, and we became hooked on watching what they performed. When our kids were old enough to perform as well, they joined in. So we've enjoyed watching the likes of "Fiddler on the Roof" and "Ben Hur", along with a play that Aaron and Beth wrote, "Esther".

Last night, our family watched (and/or participated in) the world premier of a new musical, written and directed by Aaron and Beth, and produced by their company, Five Lanterns Productions. It is called "Leviathan the Musical" and is based on the story of George and the Dragon. Leviathan is a coming of age story - both of George growing up into a man, and also a coming of "spiritual" age as George fights the darkness in his own heart. The the story was poignant. The writing was witty and touching. The score was moving. All of it was par excellence. In addition, the casting and acting was incredible (full disclosure - the lead character is portrayed by my son - and two of my other kids are in the cast). If you have a chance to go see the show this weekend, I highly recommend it (July 28-30, 2022).

However, more than just enjoying the performance, I really started thinking about sin and the power that it has in our own lives. During the story, there is a parallel that happens between the battle that George fights in his own heart against the pride that lurks there and the looming battle against Leviathan. Leviathan is also a great example of the enemies of our soul - the world, the flesh, and the devil! He is wiley. He has power, though not as much as you'd think. And he grows.

When George's father fails to kill Leviathan, the dragon's power and strength grow incredibly. Leviathan lurks for years, unseen and almost forgotten about, until he emerges, weilding immense power and threatening to destroy all George knows and loves.

In the same way, when not rooted out completely, seemingly small sins will grow in our own lives. We may think they aren't a big deal. And just as the townsfolk weren't sure if Leviathan was a myth, we may not even be sure if our sins are really sins. They're just a bad mood, or a mistake, or only a temptation (that we've yielded to in moments of weakness).

George is humbled during the course of the show, and realizes that he can't slay the dragon in his own strength. In the same way, when God orchesrates the events in our lives so that the heat is "turned up" (usually through trials and/or suffering) and our sins are forced to the surface, we must rely on the grace of God to help us defeat the sin in our lives. This is especially true when our sin has smouldered under the surface for so long that we don't even know where to start the killing process.

We must humble ourselves, understanding that, on our own, we are powerless. We must repent of the "small" sins that have flown under the radar for so long. We have to root them all out and bring them into the light. We must seek the forgiveness of the Father based on the sacrifice and righteousness of Christ. Then, we must pray for the power of the Spirit to help us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. It is through His power that we will ultimately gain victory over the dragons in our lives.

If you'd like to experience this show, or if your group would like to perform it, click on their website to learn more. www.5lanterns.com