The film "War Horse" is on general release and has come to Leicester. I went on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed it – if that's the right phrase for an occasion when you get through several handkerchiefs!In outline it is a story of a teenager from a troubled home who breaks-in and trains a difficult horse, forming a strong bond with it. The boy and horse are separated as the horse is sold for use in the First World War. After multiple exploits the two finish together in a field hospital with the boy unable to see. But when someone describes the horse to him, he calls and the horse comes to him. Eventually, someone pays the auction price and gives the horse back to him. (A totally inadequate précis, but go and see the film)
I was fascinated by the parallels to the story of the Bible. Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice and come to me," just as the War Horse heard Albert's call and went to him. Is our relationship with Christ equally strong to that of War Horse and Albert?
And there was a second parallel. At our origins, we were God's because he created us but humankind became separated from Him. The Bible tells us that by dying on the cross Jesus bought us back (redeemed us). A price was paid. So, we are now able to be children of God again, just as the War Horse was bought back and he and Albert were reunited.
An interesting modern day parallel.
