Christians in Cinema

On Thursday, October 16, I watched a complete episode of “ER.” For millions of people around the country, that’s a weekly occurrence. I’ve enjoyed the times I’ve watched the show, but it’s not one I follow regularly.

What caught my attention were the words from the book of Job that were being voiced over by Maura Tierney as her character, Abby, experienced her last day in the ER. From the opening shot in her now empty apartment to the closing frame with her husband (Luka Kovac) and their baby, verses of Job were read as poetry accompanying her day.

In the changing room at County, Abby pulls the Bible her mother gave her out of her locker and studies the inscription. In the ER itself, a street preacher is warning that the end is near.

I don’t know any of the writers for ER, or any of their stories, but someone inserted God’s word into that show. And His word says that when it goes out, it will not return void. Millions of people heard words from the book of Job, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll wonder about the Source of those words.

“Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave?…For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. I have no peace, no quietness; no rest, but only turmoil.” Job 3:20 – 26 (vs. 23 omitted)