'Till The End Of The Line

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​This article contains spoilers for ‘Captain America’ and ‘Captain America - The Winter Soldier’
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As you may know, I am a Marvel­-Fangirl. So when my new flatmate told me he has never watched any of the marvel movies before, I knew I had do something about it.

Last Friday night we watched ‘Captain America – The Winter Soldier’, which is my favorite movie. I am fascinated by the friendship between Steve Rogers (Captain America) and Bucky Barnes (the Winter Soldier).

Steve and Bucky were born before World War II and fought together in the US army. Through genetic experimentation Steve became the super soldier Captain America, whereas Bucky met his fate falling from a moving train. Later, in order to save the world, Steve crashed the plane he was piloting and was plunged into the Arctic Ocean where he was frozen in the ice. He was found in our time and joined “The Avengers”. 

But Bucky was found, too. Closer to death than life, but still alive, he was brainwashed by the enemy and trained to become a deadly assassin. Between his missions he was put in a cryogenic state, that stopped him from ageing.

The film ‘Captain America – The Winter Soldier’ sees the two men meet each other again. Bucky is unable to remember his old friend because of the brain washing he has undergone. Steve on the other hand is shocked when he finds out what become of his old friend and he wants him back.

There is a crucial scene set at the films climax: Steve and Bucky are fighting each other aboard the crashing helicarrier, everything is exploding and a metal support clamps Bucky to the craft. Steve doesn’t hesitate to save his old friend. Even though Bucky has shot at him just a few seconds ago, Steve starts to talk to his friend and refuses to fight him, simply repeating that Bucky knows him and that he is his friend. 

Bucky screams and continues to punch Steve, but Steve never gives up - he believes in his friend. Bucky flies into a rage and when Steve’s shield drops, he won’t relent but continues to beat on him. “You are my mission!” he screams when forced to pause for breath.

Steve simply responds: “Then finish it. Because I ́m with you, ‘till the end of the line.”

Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a friend like this? Who is with you  ́till the end of the line, who would sacrifice himself in order to rescue you - not even sure if you wanted to be rescued. A friend who believes in you, even after you disowned him, a friend who knows who you are, in the times when you don ́t even know who you are.

The bible tells us about a person who offers all this for you. He sacrificed himself and died for you. He knew you even before you were born and he has counted the very hairs on your head. He knows you and cares for you even if you don ́t know him or don ́t want to know him. He knows everything about you, the good things and the bad. He cares for you and he wants you to be on his side.

Who is this person? It ́s Jesus, he died for you 2,000 years ago. He died, because we decided to live without him. He died because of our failures, whatever they are. But he didn’t stay dead. He rose from the grave and wants you to be his friend and on his side. He offers
you forgiveness. And he offers you eternal life in joy with him.

And in return he promises you something. He says in Matthew chapter 28 verse 20: “I am with you always even to the end of the age.” But you have to decide. Do you want to be on his side? Or do you want to stay where you are, missing the greatest opportunity you ever had?

Bucky made his decision. After the burning helicarrier exploded and Steve was thrown into the water, he chose to save him because he remembered who he belongs to. If you don ́t know where you are, don ́t be afraid to ask us. We will be there for you. Just contact us or visit one of our clubs. We are here for you.

I am amazed by the friendship of Bucky and Steve. But this is just a fictional friendship. That ́s why I am even more amazed by Jesus and that he loves me.

Güven