You may remember an old movie classic released in 1939, that still entertains audiences today. If I say, ruby slippers, you will probably know it right away. The Wizard of Oz is a story where several life lessons can be learned; one such lesson as expressed by Dorothy the leading character is the theme that echoes throughout the movie, “There’s no place like home!”
After experiencing a terrifying tornado while living in a Kansas farmhouse with her aunt and uncle, Dorothy is knocked unconscious by flying debris, and wakes up finding herself in a strange and peculiar land. Looking around, trying to figure out where she is, trembling, Dorothy remarks to her dog, Toto, who has traveled with her, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore!” The remainder of the story finds Dorothy and Toto trying to return home where she knows she is loved.
Of course, what would any good storyline be without a villain to wreak havoc? And if the story has a villain, it must also have a hero. The Wizard of Oz villain is the Wicked Witch of the West, and the hero, or in this case, heroine is the Good Witch, Glenda. The role of the Wicked Witch is to thwart every effort of Dorothy in her pursuit of home., while Glenda counters each obstacle by waving her magic wand. One such obstacle comes when Dorothy and Toto are lured into a meadow of beautiful flowers, where a spell comes upon them causing an irresistible urge to lay down and sleep. But Glenda waves her wand, and a gentle snow falls upon the field breaking the spell, waking up Dorothy and Toto, who then, continue on their way.
“Truth is often stranger than fiction.” so goes the saying. The Wizard of Oz is a work of fiction; yet the battle between good and evil is a true reality of which every human can relate. Ever since the fall of humankind in the Garden of Eden, Satan tries to thwart every effort by God to get God’s children home to heaven. Like Dorothy, you and I can find ourselves easily spellbound by the “shiny and beautiful” objects this worldly philosophy reflects. We are transfixed by lies draped in the appearance of “kindness,” “love,” and “inclusivity.” Just as Jesus Christ is the Light of the world and Author of Truth, Satan is the antithesis of truth, or anti-Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns readers, “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” (NKJV).
Friend do not be deceived by the soundbites in the news, hateful rhetoric splashed on social media, or loud voices cursing those in the crowds who do not agree with them. Rather, feel the gentle cleansing power of the Holy Spirit as He washes over you the discernment of the Word of God, and wake up!
