The blockbuster movie of the summer was, without a shadow of a doubt, The Dark Knight. The latest installment of the Batman series moves even farther away from the cartoonish versions of the 60’s TV show and the earlier movies of the 80’s and 90’s. It is darker, grittier, and more confrontational in the battle between good and evil.

The city of Gotham is being extorted by the Joker, the arch nemesis of Batman. The Joker has gone on a killing spree and states that it will only end when the Batman surrenders himself. Batman/Bruce Wayne is caught between the sense of duty to protect the people of Gotham by apprehending the Joker or by surrendering to the Joker.

As he and Alfred, his faithful friend/butler, close down all things Batman, they have this conversation:

Bruce Wayne/Batman: "People are dying, Alfred, what would you have me do?" Alfred: "Endure, Master Wayne."

Endure. The willingness and strength to go the distance; to undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in; to bear with tolerance; to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding. Endure.

Some of you understand the depth of this word. You have fought the good fight. You know Him Who offers you the strength to withstand and over-come. Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and to follow His example so that we don’t grow weary and lose heart!

Here at LACC, we had a better summer than anticipated and have our eyes squarely fixed on Jesus. There are people spiritually dying—we must endure for them! We will endure with your partnership and our Lord’s leading!