A STUDY OF FAILURE IN "THE LAST JEDI".

Romans 5:3-4 says, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." (NLT)

The Star Wars Saga continues immediately following the events of The Force Awakens. The Resistance succeeds in destroying Starkiller Base. However, the First Order comes after them with full force. Escape seems impossible. Hope is nearly gone.

Yet, their perseverance is the key to their survival. In the face of extinction they desperately search for any and every chance to survive. They must restore strength in numbers in order to fight another day. the final battle that will end tyranny once and for all. However, they find failure every turn.

However, they find failure every turn.

Their ships fail to escape the first order's tracking.

Poe fails to save his crew.

Finn and Rose fail to find trustworthy codebreaker.

Leia fails to preserve the numbers of the Resistance.

Luke fails to keep Ben Solo in the light.

Even Rey fails her lessons with Luke and her attempt to turn Kylo Ren from the Dark Side.

Ultimate failure at every turn.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, God says, "'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (NLT)

Meanwhile, Rey learns a hard lessons after finding Luke Skywalker and attempting to pull him out of hiding. She expects a hero, but all she finds is a broken man plagued with guilt. He condemns himself to isolation, because his actions aid Ben Solo's transformation into Kylo Ren. His failure leads to guilt, which leads to defeat.

Defeat is a powerful weapon. It gives the enemy control and the comfort of no opposition. Like his masters before him, Luke gives into defeat. He goes into hiding and allows the First Order to rise unopposed. Rey's very difficult task is to pull him out of his defeat. She must remind him of the hero he used to be. She must give him hope. She must set him free.

The most common misconception is between Luke and Rey. Everyone believes that Luke is once again the galaxy's last hope, that Luke is the greatest threat to the darkness, and that Rey needs Luke's guidance, Instead, Rey is that hope, threat, and guide.

Rey takes on the role that Luke casts aside. Come Episode IX she will continue her purpose with strength and clarity. She will face Kylo Ren, save the galaxy from the First Order, and give birth to a new Jedi Order. She may even succeed in saving the soul of Ben Solo. Only time will tell.

Romans 5:1 - "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us."