"I Have Served, I Will Be Of Service"

I rewatched John Wick 3 today (before going to watch John Wick 4 tonight). "I have served, I will be of service" is the oath of fealty to the High Table in this series.

If you're unfamilar with the movie series, the High Table is a council of twelve crime lords that provide oversight to the most powerful criminal organizations. It is considered the ultimate authority of the underworld and is feared and respected by all.

There's something intriguing and compelling (and perhaps a bit ridiculous) about ruthless criminals (they're literally hired assassins) pledging loyalty and obedience to a rigid code of conduct and authority. It's captivating.

John Wick violated one of the key rules - he killed someone on the grounds of the Continental hotel, which were "consecrated" grounds where no killing was allowed. This was a strictly held to rule. The High Table then marked John Wick for death due to his actions. He was labelled "excommunicado" and a bounty was placed on his life. John eventually finds the Elder (who controls the High Table) and tells John he needs to complete a task for him to reverse his "exommunicado" sentence.

All of this has obvious parallels to us. We're sinners deserving of God's judgement. We're condemned to death because of our sin. However, we don't need to complete a task for redemption. That price has already been paid by Jesus' death on the cross. All we need to do is believe that Christ paid this price for us and we're saved by His grace.

While the story line of the movie takes a turn at the end of John Wick 3 and no longer fits this comparative analogy, I couldn't help but think about the parellels while watching it.

I'd love to truthfully and faithfully say to God: "I have served, I will be of service".

Off to enjoy a break from this insane world and go relax and watch a movie. Until next time - take care!

-Steve