[This article provided by Conejo member, Kim Milanovich]
“Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.” Romans 5:18
“For since by a man death came, by a Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22
Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t read The Kite Runner and intend to, I may ruin some surprises for you.
I didn’t understand what all the hullaballoo was about The Kite Runner until I read it recently. If you haven’t read it, it’s the story of an Afghan man named Amir prior to and during the reign of the Taliban. All his life, he is plagued by regret at some choices he made when he was twelve years old. His regret has numerous dimensions: his fear of a bully, his cowardice to help his servant Hassan in his hour of need, his hunger to secure his father’s love and approval, his deception borne of guilt, and his betrayal of his servant.
Author Khaled Hosseini masterfully crafts this tale in which every aspect of Amir’s regret is redeemed through a parallel action later in the novel. In other words, Amir is given a chance to “undo” each sin that has diminished his humanity. At the end of the book, the very object of his desire—a kite—that caused the abuse his servant Hassan endured later becomes the object through which Hassan’s son experiences healing.
Although Khaled Hosseini is not a Christian, I find Amir’s story to be a remarkable picture of redemption. There once was a tree in a garden, and the eating of its fruit ushered in sin and death. Thousands of years later, there was another tree, and Christ’s death on that tree brought forth righteousness and life for humanity. The fall began with eating; Jesus’ body becomes our very food through the eucharist. Adam and Eve realized they were naked; through Christ’s naked body, we are clothed in righteousness. Man was consigned to a life of labor; Christ’s death brings us eternal rest. Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden; Jesus made a “new and living way” to enter God’s presence though his flesh. As in The Kite Runner, the Author of our salvation story writes it in such a way that every aspect of the fall is redeemed; however, we are redeemed through Jesus’ obedience, not our own.
Lord, you crafted the master story of redemption. Thank you for redeeming every aspect of our sinful humanity through your death and resurrection. Help us to live as redeemed ones by surrendering our prideful ways to your will, by finding strength through your body and blood, and by living in the hope of the eternal Sabbath. Amen.
Recent Comments