Sony Cancels “The Interview” Due to Hackers; Is Latest Threat Connected to Last Days?
Sony Pictures cancelled the opening of its comedy “The Interview” that depicts an assassination attempt on North Korean prime minister Kim Jong Un due to a series of computer hacks and threats. Originally targeted toward the film’s New York City premiere, cancellations from other studios led Sony to release a statement to completely cancel its release.
The Sony statement noted the company “has been the victim of an unprecedented criminal assault against our employees, our customers, and our business. Those who attacked us stole our intellectual property, private emails, and sensitive and proprietary material, and sought to destroy our spirit and our morale—all apparently to thwart the release of a movie they did not like.” Reactions from Hollywood and across America note concerns regarding freedom of speech as well as public safety.
Some Christians also see this latest threat as one of many “wars and rumors of wars” Jesus noted would take place as the world nears the last days (Matthew 24:6). Is there evidence to show that North Korea’s hackers are part of a larger movement pointing toward the end of time?
While Scripture does teach, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (Matthew 24:7), it also states, “These are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). Wars or threats of violence are nothing new, yet highlight the ongoing reality of a fallen world ultimately in need of redemption.
Instead, Scripture is clear Jesus can return at any moment: “We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet” (1 Corinthians 15:52). In this context, the apostle Paul noted that not every Christian would die before seeing Jesus. Instead, Jesus promised to return in the future (John 14:1-3). When He does, His followers will immediately be with Him.
The apostle Paul also noted this promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
Today’s concerning headlines should not cause fear for the believer in Christ. While necessary precautions may be necessary, we need not fear this threat serves as a significant step toward an impending apocalypse. Instead, we are called to comfort one another with the hope that Jesus will one day return to take believers to be with Him.
For those uncertain of faith in Christ, however, today’s global turmoil can cause much stress. What does God provide to help? He calls us to place our faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9). His desire is for us to make our calling sure (2 Peter 1:10) and to know that we have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
How to Respond
Four practical steps in responding to today’s situation regarding Sony’s “The Interview” film could include :
- Pray for the safety of Sony’s employees and others connected with the film.
- Reflect on your own faith and commit to daily following God.
- Serve others with specific acts of kindness, making the most of every opportunity.
- Share your faith as God opens opportunities, as Jesus will return one day.
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