So our baby’s name is Jedidiah, but when we were trying to come up with nicknames, we decided on Jedi.  Of course, this all happened at the same time that all the hype was beginning for the new Star Wars movie that was coming out (shortly after his birth).  Daddy didn’t mind all the Star Wars connections, as he’s always been a big fan.  Even before Jedidiah was born, daddy used a wookie for diaper practice!

Of course the name spurred all sorts of Star Wars gifts and even a Star Wars themed baby shower (and made its way into our Thank you notes).

We used some of the gifts not too long ago to do a little Star Wars mini-photo shoot.  We got the blanket from my college roommate and her mom, we got the Yoda wall hanging from a friend I used to teach with, and we got the light saber from one of my Bible Study gals.  Now, I realize that his light saber is red (the color of the dark side), but it was the only baby sized one we could find.  Besides, these pictures turned out SOOOOOOO cute!

At first he was so curious, and he liked that it lights up!

Use the force, Jedi!

Then the smiles came out!

Anyways, at first I was hesitant to get on board with all the Star Wars stuff, but I decided that there’s really nothing wrong with being a Jedi.  Here are a few reasons why.

1. There are real forces all around us, both good and evil.  Our church did a sermon series on these forces a while back called Forces that Form your Future.  It’s totally worth checking out- if you’d like to watch these messages, they can be found at http://subsplash.com/revyourlife/s/20e97e6/
2. We have a real enemy.  While in Star Wars, the enemies changed… Darth Vader, Darth Maul, etc., we also have spiritual enemies that we are facing.  Ephesians 6 tells us that “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of darkness in the world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Just because we cannot see our enemy doesn’t make him any less real or menacing.  I pray that my little Jedi would arm himself to stand against this enemy and against the destruction he’d love to reap in his life.
3. This being said, we have been trained by the master and have power over our enemy.  The Jedis were trained by Yoda and learned, much like him, that they had access to special powers or forces.  As Christians, we have all the power in the Universe at our grasp.  The Bible tells us that the same power and Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, dwells in us (Romans 8:11).  Ephesians 1:19-20 says: “I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.”  But in order to obtain this power, we must always stay connected to the Master.  John 15 commands us: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”  We only have access to the “force” if we stay connected to the Creator.  I pray that Jedidiah would always remain in close communion with his Savior.
4. We are armed for our fight against the enemy.  The Jedis had the legendary light sabers.  Like I said before, our war is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.  Therefore we must have a spiritual weapon- the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  I pray that my little one will hide God’s word deep inside his heart so that he would not stray from Him.
5. Obi-Wan sacrificed himself for peace, much like Jesus did, he desired nothing more than the total defeat of the empire’s darkness.  Jesus gave himself up for us so that we could have an abundant life, both now and in eternity, and his death defeated darkness forever.  Obi-Wan also continued to show up and advise the other Jedis after his death, much like Jesus left us the Holy Spirit to counsel, convict, and guide us after his departure from Earth.  Jesus said: “If you love me, keep my commands.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.”  My prayer for you is that you will follow Jesus with your whole heart and always be sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. 
6. We’re never too far gone to be brought back; it’s never too late for redemption.  Vader, who began good and then turned to the “Dark Side” due to his own pride and anger, still ended up sacrificing himself for good in the end.  Although my prayer is that anger and pride will never steal you away, I pray that you would always remember that there is a God waiting for you to return to him with open arms.
7. The small, insignificant city of Tattooine births an important hero in the saga, just as a small, insignificant city in Galilee birthed our Savior.  God likes to use those of humble beginnings to do his work.  Just look at the people he used in the Bible: Moses had a speech problem but God used him to bring his people out of slavery and oppression.  David was a scrawny little shepherd boy that slew a giant and became a great king.  Esther was just a simple girl but she saved the Jews from genocidal slaughter.  Paul was a persecutor of Christians and the church before he encountered Christ and wrote most of our New Testament scriptures.  Jesus was born in a stable even though he was the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He sacrificed himself to save the entire world, on a wretched Roman cross nonetheless.  God chooses to use people from humble beginnings.  I pray that you, my son, will stay humble in your spirit and let God’s incredible power flow through you.

So, my dear Jedidiah, may the force be always with you!  Keep your weapon close, stay close to the master, and don’t forget who your enemy is.  “Stay strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.”

May the force be with you!