The Q collective tempt Riker with the "realization of impossible dreams" but to accept he must leave humanity forever.
We finally find out why Q keeps bothering the crew of the Enterprise. Turns out, the collective is stagnant and will apparently atrophy or die without some sort of fresh infusion of life force. Of all the creatures in the galaxy they choose humans because we're so gosh darn adventurous. This quality is so powerful that it is now obvious to the Q that humans will eventually evolve beyond what Q has obtained. So really what Q is attempting is a kind of sabotage. We finally get to see these super beings for what they really are, a meddling, dying race of hyper-dimensional beings. I think there is a great truth here for Christians. We know from the scriptures that we live in a world ruled by the Prince of the Power of the Air and his cronies, for now. But we also know that his days are numbered. Right now he's trying with all his mite to change his fate. There really is no chance that the story won't end as it's written, so Air Prince's only play is to try and drag down as many people with him as he can.
The other big idea in this episode is what Riker does when he's bestowed with the power of the Q. This is the bait to get him to come join the Q. While Riker is thinking it over, his new power drives a wedge between him and his friendships on board the Enterprise. There's a great scene where he gives Wes pre-mature adulthood, La Forge his sight and Worf a Klingon woman. But it only makes them all sad because to accept would mean the loss of Riker as a friend. Riker is confused by the results of his gifts but then understands that even though the Q offer the path of ease, it's not the path to happiness.
Showing posts with label Riker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Riker. Show all posts
14 January 2013
07 December 2012
Blogging through STTNG: The Last Outpost
The first confrontation the Federation has with the Ferengi quickly
becomes a struggle with an unknown force that threatens both ships. Will
they work together to overcome an even more mysterious enemy than
either one is to each other?
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. Matthew 10:26
The Unknown: one of the scariest things many can think of. I'm scared of the unknown. In this episode we find out that everyone on the Enterprise is scared too, as well as everyone on board the Ferengi ship. And fear makes us do some crazy things.
The first scary thing for the Enterprise is the Ferengi themselves. The two races have never met before and the distant familiarity has bred some wild rumors about how disgusting the other people are. We're not OK with not knowing something, so we make up information to fill in the gaps. Picard tries to help everyone think clearly about the rumors they've heard and insists of proceeding with common respect for their fellow beings in the other ship. This is a frustrating stance, and Picard has to do a couple face palms as the Ferengi refuse diplomacy, but it's the right thing to do. Even when it appears that the Enterprise having it's power drained (they don't know it's the planet yet) Picard does not follow Warf's advice to fight.
But we quickly find out that the Ferengi are just as scared of the humans as the humans are of them. The Ferengi handle their fear by doing their best to run and hide when faced with a more powerful opponent. They also try to use fear to intimidate. They only see diplomacy as a weakness even when it's their only option as their power is being drained as well.
And everyone gets scared when they discover that they're trapped by a force on the planet instead of the other ship. The Ferengi never try to overcome their fear. They meet the Enterprise's away team with violence in mind. How often do we attack a brother when a situation that threatens us both presents itself? I'm guilty. I do it with my kids all the time. I've got a wife who's chronically ill and when that gets overwhelming, I yell at my kids. Does that make any sense? How does attacking them help me overcome this other situation that's confusing to me? God of light, help me trust you! It's fear that drives behavior like that.
So how should we respond to fear? Especially of the unknown. We have a good example here in what Picard and Riker did with persistent diplomacy and defense. But they were still relying on their education and patience. Where does God come into the picture?
God tells us in Matthew 10:26-28 not to fear other people. Can you believe this is a command? His reasons are great: His kingdom is real and we will be saved (Matt 10:22) & men can only kill your body (Matt 10:28). So is it a sin to be scared of someone else?
In Matthew 10:16-18 Jesus tells his followers to beware of men. This may be a fine line, but we're instructed to follow it. Men deserve respect and caution because they have the image of God in them. They are free agents and can potentially do anything.
In this cautionary instruction we also find that God has the right to command our emotions! Why does God command us to do something we cannot do? Give us the 10 commandments right? There's a set of instructions I can follow (yeah right!). But we think that, don't we? I think Jesus here is pushing beyond any form of external obedience to our inner landscape to prove that we cannot measure up and that we need Him. We have to call on the name of Jesus to live a fearless life. Ungodly fear is worry and we need to confess it before God and our sibs in Christ.
So what drives out fear so that we can stop sinning in this area? The Fear of God. 1 Peter 3:13-16 talks about this. Ungodly fear is an idol in our heart. It harmonizes well with the big three: money, power, and fame. As we move through the world and meet one confusing scary thing after another, let us continually invite the Lord back on the throne of our heart!
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:13-16
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
"So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:16-31
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. Matthew 10:26
The Unknown: one of the scariest things many can think of. I'm scared of the unknown. In this episode we find out that everyone on the Enterprise is scared too, as well as everyone on board the Ferengi ship. And fear makes us do some crazy things.
The first scary thing for the Enterprise is the Ferengi themselves. The two races have never met before and the distant familiarity has bred some wild rumors about how disgusting the other people are. We're not OK with not knowing something, so we make up information to fill in the gaps. Picard tries to help everyone think clearly about the rumors they've heard and insists of proceeding with common respect for their fellow beings in the other ship. This is a frustrating stance, and Picard has to do a couple face palms as the Ferengi refuse diplomacy, but it's the right thing to do. Even when it appears that the Enterprise having it's power drained (they don't know it's the planet yet) Picard does not follow Warf's advice to fight.
But we quickly find out that the Ferengi are just as scared of the humans as the humans are of them. The Ferengi handle their fear by doing their best to run and hide when faced with a more powerful opponent. They also try to use fear to intimidate. They only see diplomacy as a weakness even when it's their only option as their power is being drained as well.
And everyone gets scared when they discover that they're trapped by a force on the planet instead of the other ship. The Ferengi never try to overcome their fear. They meet the Enterprise's away team with violence in mind. How often do we attack a brother when a situation that threatens us both presents itself? I'm guilty. I do it with my kids all the time. I've got a wife who's chronically ill and when that gets overwhelming, I yell at my kids. Does that make any sense? How does attacking them help me overcome this other situation that's confusing to me? God of light, help me trust you! It's fear that drives behavior like that.
So how should we respond to fear? Especially of the unknown. We have a good example here in what Picard and Riker did with persistent diplomacy and defense. But they were still relying on their education and patience. Where does God come into the picture?
God tells us in Matthew 10:26-28 not to fear other people. Can you believe this is a command? His reasons are great: His kingdom is real and we will be saved (Matt 10:22) & men can only kill your body (Matt 10:28). So is it a sin to be scared of someone else?
In Matthew 10:16-18 Jesus tells his followers to beware of men. This may be a fine line, but we're instructed to follow it. Men deserve respect and caution because they have the image of God in them. They are free agents and can potentially do anything.
In this cautionary instruction we also find that God has the right to command our emotions! Why does God command us to do something we cannot do? Give us the 10 commandments right? There's a set of instructions I can follow (yeah right!). But we think that, don't we? I think Jesus here is pushing beyond any form of external obedience to our inner landscape to prove that we cannot measure up and that we need Him. We have to call on the name of Jesus to live a fearless life. Ungodly fear is worry and we need to confess it before God and our sibs in Christ.
So what drives out fear so that we can stop sinning in this area? The Fear of God. 1 Peter 3:13-16 talks about this. Ungodly fear is an idol in our heart. It harmonizes well with the big three: money, power, and fame. As we move through the world and meet one confusing scary thing after another, let us continually invite the Lord back on the throne of our heart!
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 1 Peter 3:13-16
"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
"So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." Matthew 10:16-31
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