A few years back, escape rooms were all the rage. Maybe you and your family tried doing one together. It's where people are locked in a room and to be set free, they have to solve a series of puzzles within a certain amount of time to unlock the doors. It can be fun for those who don’t feel claustrophobic, but you can definitely feel trapped!
On March 7 and 8, the middle school students will present Aladdin, Jr., a fun musical based upon a compilation of fairy tales first published in 1704, called Arabian Nights. As with most classical stories, this one has a strong biblical theme. Let me explain. All three main characters have one thing in common—-they feel trapped—Jasmine by her palace walls, Aladdin by his poverty, and the Genie by the magic lamp. All characters are trapped inside their worlds and are powerless to change their circumstances!
Just like all of us are! We are trapped by our sin. The Bible clearly says in Romans 3:23 “Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard.” Every human on earth finds himself in the same boat. We are all sinners, and it makes us feel trapped. But of course, we know that there is a remedy for this. Jesus! Jesus paid the price for our sins, took the punishment that we deserve, and then rose from the dead to buy our freedom. In fact, Jesus himself said that he came to proclaim liberty to the captives (Luke 4:18). It is so wonderful to know that we don’t have to stay trapped. All we have to do is confess our sins, then he is faithful and will forgive us our sins (I John 1:9). Not only are we set free, but we are given the key to a whole new world called heaven and “escape” the punishment we deserve!
And so, while Aladdin, Jr may seem like just a typical rags-to-riches fairy tale, the deeper pearls of wisdom embedded within it are worth pondering!
-Mrs. Carpenter