Prophetic Significance of The Hunger Games - Part 15
We are in the middle of a powerful spiritual battle for the future of our nation and the world. As our nation begins to return to its spiritual roots and seek again the righteousness of God, the battle is manifesting itself in extreme, relentless efforts to eliminate President Donald Trump from power. It is vital that the Church rise up, stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30) and intercede on behalf of our leaders so that the purposes of God in this time would not be cut off prematurely, but that God’s full purposes would be fulfilled.
America’s President must be allowed to complete his full term. The changes that are being made during his administration are only partly for us. The greatest effects will be felt in future generations. As Peeta said to Katniss, “You have to live, for them.”
The tide is beginning to turn in our nation. The progressive corruption of our political system has been abruptly interruputed with the election of Donald Trump. Now as Christians are awakened to this reality, many are rising up to do battle in the spiritual realm through powerful intercession for the future of our country.
In Catching Fire, Katniss has a pivotal conversation with Gale. Not realizing what was at stake in the conflict that was brewing, she tried to convince Gale to run away with her to escape threats from the President Snow. At that time, Katniss could not see past the immediate concerns of the moment. Gale makes a powerful argument that could be made today to American Christians who may be thinking that the battle does not concern them, and that they should just mind their own business and not get involved.
Gale: “You think maybe the President’s bluffing?”
Katniss: “He’s not bluffing. Not with what’s going on in the districts.”
Gale: “What do you mean? What did you see?”
Katniss: “There were people fighting in the streets, and fires, and peacekeepers were gunning them down, but the people were…”
Gale: “What…? The people were what?”
Katniss: “They were fighting back.”
Gale: “It’s happening! It’s finally happening!”
Katniss: “I should have just eaten the berries in the arena and died like I was supposed to, and everything would be back to normal, and everyone would be safe.”
Gale: “Safe for what? To starve? Work like slaves? Send their kids to the reaping? You haven’t hurt people, Katniss. You’ve given them an opportunity. They just have to be brave enough to take it. There’s already talk in the mines. People want to fight.”
Katniss: “We have to go, Gale, before they kill us. They will kill us.”
Gale: “What about the other families, huh? The ones who stay? What happens to them? … You do what you want. I’m staying here.”
Later, in another conversation, Primrose Everdeen lets her sister Katniss know that she is willing to take risks and make personal sacrifices for the chance of winning this victory. This is a key moment in time. There is something bigger to think about than our own self-protection.
Prim: “Since the last Games, something’s different. I can see it.”
Katniss: “What can you see?”
Prim: “Hope.”
Katniss immediately reminded Prim of the danger of resisting the corrupt powers in charge:
Katniss: “You understand that whatever I do comes back to you and Mom. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Prim: “You don’t have to protect me… or Mom. We’re with you.”
In the final film, Commander Paylor stands up in front of the united rebel forces and speaks in stirring terms that could be applied symbolically to the spiritual battle facing the Church in America today:
“I’m Commander Paylor of District 8. I’m a soldier like all of you, so here’s what I know. For the first time in our lifetimes, we’re standing together with 13 districts. From what I see here, we’ve already made history, but history doesn’t stop to celebrate, and we’re facing an enemy that will not change and will never surrender… If our armies make it past peacekeepers and other defenses, we’ll converge at the center of the city at Snow’s mansion where we won’t just unlock his gates, but unshackle all of Panem … Yes, you’ve already made history but your future … our future starts tomorrow at dawn when we march together into the Capitol.”
It is reminiscent of what Jesus said to Peter years ago:
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”—Matthew 16:18 (ESV)
In the last film, Peeta understood what was at stake when he spoke to Katniss as she left to make her final approach to end the reign of President Snow, “If I see you again, it’s gonna be a different world.”
That is what’s at stake in this spiritual battle—a new world for our children and grandchildren. Are we willing to make the sacrifices, to forget our differences and come together in one accord, to give the time, the effort, and the uncompromising dedication that it will take to be victorious in the spiritual battle for our children’s future?
The closing scene of the Hunger Games film series shows what all of this fighting is for. It captures a peaceful, serene moment with Katniss and Peeta in a nurturing scene with their two children. This is not about us. Just as all of King David’s fighting was not only for him and his generation, but for the next generation. In David’s time, after the fighting was finished, the next generation built the most glorious temple to honor the Lord God Almighty. Will we also stand up and fight the good fight now so that the next generation will be free to embody the glory of the Lord as a shining witness to their generation?
“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.”—1 Timothy 2:1-4 (AMP)