Seeing the devil in Lost in Space
A new Netflix show offers us a glimpse into what sin really looks like in all of us.
If you’ve been keeping a close eye on Netflix, you might have seen the show Lost in Space – a reboot of a sci-fi series from the 60’s. It’s not obvious, but the show has a lot to tell us about ourselves, and about the devil!
In the show, we’re introduced to the Robinsons, a space-adventuring family looking for a new planet to live on. We’re also introduced to the dastardly Dr. Smith, who nobody is meant to like.
And that’s because from the moment we’re introduced to her she is scheming and lying. In her origin story she begins by killing a man and releasing him into space to avoid being exposed. In fact, Dr. Smith is willing to say anything she can to save her own skin – just like someone from the Bible.
The worst enemy
The Bible talks about the devil being a murderer from the beginning, and the father of lies (John 8:44). The similarities don’t end there.
Smith is constantly looking for ways to give herself an advantage for survival, and we see similar behavior in Satan who is prowling around seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).
Even though the Robinson family have all sorts of dangers to face, the worst of all is always the deception and lies of Dr. Smith. In every crisis, be it a deadly storm overtaking the Robinsons, or their spaceship losing fuel, or the planet getting sucked into a black hole, the possible solution is foreseeable and there is at least some hope of success.
But with the schemes and manipulation of Dr. Smith, every innocent and good person can potentially be influenced to destroy whatever hope was left. She pits people against each other and is always looking to gain control over other people. Sound familiar?
The villain you didn’t know existed
In most movies the villain is an intimidating and powerful foe who the heroes must face head on, sometimes with the help of allies. But in Lost in Space, the real villain is Dr. Smith, who is neither intimidating nor powerful, yet she is more dangerous to the Robinsons than a planet-eating black hole!
Dr. Smith is so terrifying for the exact same reason Satan is… she deceives, schemes, and manipulates, without you even noticing. The famous saying goes: “the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he didn’t exist.”
Next time you’re tempted to sin – to lie, or to steal, or to have jealous thoughts, think: what led you to that moment? Like Dr. Smith, the devil looks for an opportunity when you are weak to strike.
The Bible says that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). This non-physical danger is shown in Dr. Smith. She couldn’t care less about others, but rather is willing to risk everyone’s wellbeing and safety for the sake of her own.
She does this by lying to the Robinsons and scheming against them to gain control while convincing them that she’s not even the villain.
How to resist the devil
Just like we’ve done today, you can always look for ways to learn about God and the Bible when you’re watching TV or reading a book!
When you see Satan, as cunning as a snake, waiting for the moment to strike when your guard is down, he looks a lot more like Dr. Smith rather than the horrifying monster and powerful villain many people fear.
“Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore.” (Ephesians 6:13-14)
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