He is for Real

Kate asks Leopold the critical question, “Are you for real?”

By the end of the film she is so certain of his identity and of his love for her that she is willing and able to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge into the unkown. She chooses the leap of faith into 1876 instead of staying in 2001 and accepting the job promotion that she had wanted so badly.

Charlie asks the same question about Leopold. At first he believes Leopold to be an actor who remains “in character” all the time. When the situation gets more serious – his sister’s heart is on the line – Charlie grows more concerned and asks Leopold directly who he is. He remains unconvinced of Leopold’s identity until he sees the photographs that Stuart had taken during his stay in 1876.

From the beginning, Stuart is the only one who knows the truth. It is interesting to note the one actually who knows the truth beyond a shadow of a doubt is put into psychiatric care against his will.

By the end of the film, both Charlie and Stuart know exactly who Leopold is, and they are helping and encouraging Kate to take the leap of faith.

People were also divided about who Jesus was when He stepped out of eternity and into time. Jesus and his disciples were discussing all the conflicting opinions regarding the true identity of Jesus.

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:13-16

Readers:

Who do you say He is?

If you believe He is who He says He is, then how does that affect your life?

If Jesus is real, then what do you say in response to that?

Kate and Leopold -- Three Reasons the Truth is Clear

First, his behavior lines up with his claims. Remember the equestrian adventure on horseback through Central Park to reclaim her stolen purse?

Second, he provides physical proof of his identity. They visit his home, now a historical site, and he points out his portrait still hanging on the wall. More importantly, he knows exactly where a secret drawer is located, and what is in it. After opening the drawer, he produces his mother’s ring.

Third, there is circumstantial evidence to support his claims. The entire week that he was in 2001, none of the elevators were working. The moment he returned to 1876, they started working again.

The same is true about Jesus.

First, his behavior lines up with his claims. He says He is the Son of God, and He acts like the Son of God. He went missing once when He was just a boy of about 12. When his (earthly) parents found Him, He said:

“Why were you searching for me?" he asked.

"Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?”

Luke 2:49

As an adult, He performed many miraculous signs and wonders. So many in fact that the apostle John wrote:

“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

John 21:25

Jesus also provided physical proof of his identity. He presented his resurrected body to His disciples, even to doubting Thomas. The whole encounter is recorded:

“Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

John 20:24-27

Third, there is circumstantial evidence to support that Jesus is the Son of God. The church – all Christian churches including Roman Catholic and all the Protestant denominations – exists today because of who Jesus is. The New Testament exists today because of who Jesus is.

If you feel yourself holding back in trusting Jesus – not quite ready to take that leap of faith – I encourage you to take the time and effort to explore whether He really is who He says He is.

Leopold -- He is who he says he is

Leopold handwrites Kate a personal note inviting her to meet him on the rooftop for dinner. When she arrives, the scene is set for romance. There is a violinist playing soft, melodious music. The table is set with a white tablecloth, fine dishes, wine glasses and silverware. In the center of the table is a small delicate bouquet of flowers that Leopold has specifically selected. He has chosen each flower, stem by stem, to create a bouquet that delivers the perfect message, as he knows each flower’s meaning. Even the small trees are strung with twinkling white lights.

He is not the only one who has taken care to prepare for the evening. Kate had gone to her closet to choose something to wear. She reaches into the back – way into the back – and pulls out an elegant black dress. It has a decorative lacy neckline that will drape provocatively from collar bone to collar bone. The dress itself speaks romance. We know it has never been worn because the tags are still attached. Perhaps she bought this dress in the hopes of having an occasion to wear it, or the right someone to wear it for. Perhaps she bought it for the life she wished she had, rather than the life she was actually living. In any case, she adorns herself in the dress and goes up to meet Leopold.

And there he is. Resplendent in his best attire. They have a beautiful evening together, and Leopold takes her hand for a dance. Everything seems perfect. Except for one thing. Even though Kate admits she’s inspired she says she is not ready to take the emotional leap that love requires.

Why?

Because she is not convinced that he is who he says he is. Understandable? Perhaps, since his claims certainly seem outrageous. However, she does eventually accept the truth about Leopold for several reasons.

Kate and Leopold -- Uncompromised Integrity!

Another occasion when Leopold shows his uncompromising integrity is when he becomes the spokesman for margarine. Kate’s company gets the account for a food company and they need a handsome and believable spokesman whose endorsement will give the test audience confidence in the product. Leopold is that man.

All goes well until Leopold actually tastes the product. He is disgusted by the taste and considers it a moral matter. He will not “peddle pond scum to an unsuspecting public.”

Of course this reminds me of my Jesus because – no matter what the stakes were – Jesus was unwilling to compromise His integrity. When Satan tempted him with promises of wealth and power Jesus was unwavering.

“The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.” Luke 4:5-7

Isn’t that kind of like the temptation that Kate was experiencing with her job?

She was up for the promotion to Vice President in charge of the New York office. I’m sure from her vantage point she could see all the advantages that job would bring; more money, more power, and more prestige. When the chips were down, and everything was on the line, she told Leopold, “The stakes are very high for me here.” She wanted him to sell out so that she could have what she wanted.

Leopold resisted her. He said, “What has happened to the world? You have every convenience and every comfort, yet no time for integrity.”

More than any other leading male character, Leopold stands up for what is right. He confronts lies with truth, exposes a fraud, maintains purity outside of marriage, and refuses to compromise his values.

Certainly this reflects the integrity of Christ. Even more than that, Leopold is exactly who he says he is.

Kate and Leopold -- He Personifies Integrity!

Leopold stands out among leading men because he has uncompromising moral standards. Firstly, when Kate had to go out to dinner with her boss he offered to chaperone them because he could see that J.J.’s intentions were not honorable. Then he shows up at their dinner just as Kate is realizing that Leopold was correct is his assessment of the situation.

Leopold catches J.J. in a lie regarding his estate in England, another lie about an opera he claims to be familiar with, and yet a third lie about his own ability to speak fluent French. Not only does he confront the lies with truth, thereby exposing him as a fraud, but also he states outright what he thinks about a man’s attempt to court a woman in his employ.

Later, when he and Kate are together, and she falls asleep in his arms on the love seat out on her fire escape, he carries her into her apartment and lays her on her bed.

He does not expect to spend the night with her. He does not presume it is his right to have sex with her. He fully expects to leave her to the privacy of her bedroom – alone. After laying her down and covering her with her blankets, he turns to go. Kate awakens and asks him to stay. He then climbs onto her bed – with all his clothes on – and holds her in his embrace until morning. He does not turn the situation into bedroom Olympics.

This is truly admirable. And, unfortunately, all too rare.

Too many men do not understand that the only woman they should have the privilege of knowing in an intimate way is their wife. Too many women have sold themselves short and buy the lie that “everyone is doing it”. The importance of purity cannot be stressed enough. The list of reasons for maintaining purity is long; for emotional safety, for spiritual wholeness, and for physical health just to get started. But the most important reason is that God commands it. He commands it not to restrict us but to set us free. He limits us for our own benefit.

If you are feeling like it is too late for you in this area it is not. It was not too late for Pretty Woman to turn her life around, and it is not too late for you. Make the choice for purity today and stick to it. You deserve God’s best.

Kate and Leopold -- Before Abraham was born, I am!

Some scholars say that Jesus showed up physically before Mary and Joseph ever went to Bethlehem. One incident found in Genesis 18 is when Abraham was visited by someone he referred to as Lord. They ate together, walked and talked together. The Lord would need a physical body for that. Some conclude that this Lord must have been Jesus.

Another incident involves Abraham’s grandson, Jacob. In Genesis 32 Jacob wrestles with a physical man, who is referred to as God. Jacob named the place Peniel which means ‘face of God’. If this Lord was both man and God, then the description fits Jesus.

In Daniel there is an incident where three men are thrown into a blazing furnace, but four are seen within it.

“Look! I see four men walking around in the fire,

unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 3:25

Could it be that Jesus showed up in the flesh in these particular instances throughout Biblical history?

Well, Jesus made a point of telling us that all things are possible with God.

“Jesus looked at them and said,

"With man this is impossible,

but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

Certainly, Jesus transcends time. He was there before the foundations of the world were laid. He also said it plainly himself:

“I tell you the truth…

before Abraham was born, I am!”

John 8:58

This statement not only affirms that Jesus is identifying Himself as Deity – God’s own Son, but also indicates that He existed centuries before this confrontation took place. The Bible is not fiction or fantasy. It is fact. Leopold might be all that and a bag of chips, but he is merely a figment of a screenwriter’s imagination.

Jesus, however, is real. He transcends time, and He is the only one who can.

Readers: Let’s save our $10 for a ticket into the future and trust in Him for a future in eternity!

Kate and Leopold -- Jesus Transcends Time

Jesus was described in great detail centuries before his birth.

“But He was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5

This passage accurately describes the way that Jesus would die. Also a passage accurately predicts the unique circumstances of Christ’s birth:

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son,

and will call him Immanuel.”

Isaiah 7:14

Scripture also foreshadowed how Jesus would teach:

“I will open my mouth in parables,

I will utter hidden things, things from of old.”

Psalm 78:2

Even the reaction of the disciples upon the death of Christ is foretold:

“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered,”

Zechariah 13:7

How could all these details (and many more) be accurately predicted?

Because Jesus himself was right there predicting it.

An example we could better relate to would be if I wrote down, “Darilyn went to the kitchen and got a drink.” I would then be able to then go and do exactly what I said I would do. I could even describe in advance the size and color of the glass I was going to use, and exactly what, and how much I would have to drink. I could specify in advance whether I would get water from the tap or from a bottle, or from a water cooler. I would be able to make the prophecy come true because I am the one who writing it while knowing all the variables in advance.

How?

Because I’ve already been to my kitchen. I am the one who has purchased the water bottles, and placed them in the fridge. I am the one who selected water glasses and put them into the cupboard. Therefore, I could “predict” with amazing accuracy exactly what would happen when I go to get a drink.

Obviously, me going to the kitchen for a drink is only a silly example. But, consider the Bible prophecies that describe a myriad of facts about Jesus and his life in astonishing detail were written centuries before his birth.

Clearly, these fulfilled prophecies prove Jesus transcends time.

Kate and Leopold -- Since Before Time Began

Even though we’ve all wondered what it would be like to be able to transcend time, Jesus actually can. There are three pieces of evidence to support this fact.

1. Jesus was with God the Father at creation. Along with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, He existed before there was time and had a hand in creating it.
2. Jesus is mentioned throughout the Law and the Prophets (Old Testament) in prophesies, all of which he fulfilled during His time here on earth.
3. There are scholars who believe that Jesus actually showed up at a several points in time before He was ever born in a manger.

The Bible supports all this. Today we will just look at the first point: Jesus was present at the time of Creation:

“Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,”

Genesis 1:26

Do you see that? Three times in that phrase the plural is used, "...us...our...our..." Two or more are discussing their plans for making man. Why is it worded that way? Because Jesus was there, and the Holy Spirit was there. Not three Gods, but three in one; The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus was there in the beginning, at creation. He was doing His part!

Kate and Leopold -- He Transcends Time

Stuart Besser, played by Liev Schreiber, discovers a way to travel through time. He finds a “tear in the fabric of time” that one can travel through by jumping off the Brooklyn Bridge at specific pre-determined intervals of time.

Leopold only ends up traveling through time because he spots Stuart, oddly out of place in 1876, snooping through his papers. Immediately suspicious, Leopold chases Stuart to the top of the Brooklyn Bridge, and quite by accident, chases him right into the year 2001.

Sounds fantastical, doesn’t it? Of course, it is. Yet, time travel is a concept that has captured the imaginations of generation after generation. It is something that is impossible for us, and yet we keep right on dreaming about it. Books have been written and films made on the delightful, and sometimes frightful, prospect of time travel. What would it feel like, and how would we react? From H. G. Wells’ “The Time Machine” to Robert Zemeckis’ “Back to the Future” the concept has fully captured our imaginations.

Much to my surprise, I found not everyone agrees that time travel is merely a flight of the imagination. In fact, at www.timetravelfund.com you can purchase a ticket into the future. Yes, for just $10 (with compounded interest for the next 500 years) they promise to zap you into the future before you die, or possibly even raise you from the dead once the technology is developed, of course.

All this begs the question, why has the whole idea of time travel so thoroughly captured our imaginations?

Because God has set eternity in the hearts of men.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.

He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;

yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Ecclesiastes 3:11

We’ve all wondered what it would be like to be able to transcend time.

Jesus actually can, and does.

Kate and Leopold -- Are You For Real?

Are you for real?

That is the question that Kate asks Leopold. The question of Leopold’s true identity is a theme that runs throughout this incredibly touching film. It is a question every character, and every viewer, must answer for themselves before the credits roll. In this time-travel, romantic-adventure Kate McKay is played by Meg Ryan, and Leopold, the Duke of Albany, is played by Hugh Jackman.

In the opening sequence there is a visual celebration of period costumes and horses pulling carriages on the streets of historic New York City. We can almost smell the fragrance of the elaborate floral bouquets and swags in Leopold’s home. These all create a vivid display of the elegance and refinement of the day.

When Leopold wakes up and unknowingly finds himself in modern-day New York City, his reaction to the radical change in society and culture is absolutely side-splitting. He is shocked by the television and the music, and intrigued by the numerous inventions found in Stuart’s apartment. He even studies, with rapt attention, the flushing toilet. Most entertaining is his encounter with a New York City police officer who orders him to pick up dog poop and put it in the garbage. He respectfully refuses, and everything within us that longs for the return of chivalry, triumphantly cheers.

One of the most memorable moments of this endearing picture is when Leopold valiantly bursts through the shrubbery of Central Park galloping on a white horse. He pauses barely long enough to scoop Kate onto the saddle behind him, and they are off! Leopold is determined to chase down the New York City thief who has grabbed Kate’s purse while she stood in broad daylight in the public street. Through several feats of equestrian excellence, he is able to corner the perpetrator and eloquently convince him to surrender the stolen property.

It is after this heroic intervention that Kate asks the pivotal question of the film, “Are you for real?”

Maid in Manhattan -- He Hears our Heart's Cry!

I am so glad that when we have wronged Jesus in some way he is still and always willing to hear us once again.

I am so thankful that even if we have embarrassed Him with something we’ve said or done He is always ready to give us His ear.

I can hardly imagine how our sin breaks His heart, and yet time after time, He forgives us and welcomes us back into His presence whenever we are ready. He is so much holier than we can even imagine and yet He invites our approach. Even as we make our approach, Satan, the accuser, urges Jesus to turn us away, but He never will.

In fact, God promises:

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”

Isaiah 65:24

Chris Marshall already knew what Ty was there for. He was ready willing and able to respond even before Ty began to speak. That is also how Jesus hears our prayers. He already knows what is on your heart. So you might as well tell him everything.

“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”

Psalm 139:4

We can have confidence in bringing our requests, concerns, problems and everything to Him in prayer. It is what He has asked us to do, and what He expects us to do.

He hears us.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

1 John 5:14

We are assured that his eyes are on us, and that He is tuned in to hear us when we cry out to him in times of need.

“The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”

Psalm 34:17

Chris leaned forward and strained to hear Ty in the midst of the noise and chaos, he instructs everyone to quiet down so he can listen. In a similar way, Jesus is eagerly attentive to your voice.

He welcomes you and your children into His kingdom, he encourages you in every way, and he listens to you no matter what. He longs to hear your prayers.

Jesus not only wants to be the Father to your children, He wants to be the lover of your soul. Jesus really is the greatest Romantic ever.

The romance he has to offer you far exceeds even the dynamic relationship between Kate and Leopold.

Maid in Manhattan -- He Listens!

When Chris and Ty first meet, Chris is delighted to pay attention to all Ty has to say. He enjoys very much listening to what Ty thinks. However, things take a 180 degree turn near the end of the movie.

Chris discovers he was deceived about Marisa’s true identity. In total humiliation and defeat, after losing her job and her hopes of becoming a manager, she runs from the hotel in shame. When Chris follows her looking for an explanation, she lashes out at him in her anger and frustration. Unfortunately, the media is all too interested in their heated exchange and capture it with photographs and video. Ironically, it is Marisa who pushes Chris away.

The story makes the front page of all the papers, and there is no longer communication between Chris and Ty or Marisa. Chris makes a public statement in an effort to recover what is left of his reputation. Months go by. His campaign continues, and he is eventually successful in winning his seat in the Senate.

Meanwhile, Marisa struggles to pick up the pieces of her life once again. She faces her mother in disgrace; she applies for and is given another job as maid in a different upscale hotel. Somehow she deals with her own heartbreak, and strives to deal with Ty’s disappointment as well.

Life pretty much returns to ‘normal,’ except for one thing. Neither Marisa nor Ty can put Chris out of their minds. Unknown to the Ventura’s, Chris is having similar difficulty putting them out of his mind.

Eventually, Chris returns to New York to hold a press conference in the very hotel where Marisa is now employed. Ty reads this in the newspaper. He tells his mom about Chris’s visit, but she brushes the news off by having Ty repeat the platitude that she has obviously drilled into him for months.

In spite of his mom’s lack of response, Ty gathers his courage to approach Chris once again. This time approaching Chris takes far more courage than the first time.

• First, he is returning in the wake of the scandal and shame.
• Second, he will have to approach Chris in front of reporters, a whole crowd of strangers, in order to talk to him. So he will have to conquer his own fear of public speaking.
• Third, and most importantly, the outcome of this exchange will determine once and for all if he and his mom have any chance of having a man as important and caring as Chris Marshall in their lives again.

Ty makes his way to his mother’s workplace by himself and finds the room where Chris’s press conference is being held. He makes it just as the briefing is winding up. Jerry is instructing Chris not to take anymore questions when Ty finally breaks through to the front of the crowd of reporters.

Chris would have good reason to ignore Ty. He could be risking further damage to his reputation as well as additional personal heartbreak if he opens himself up once again. Of course, Jerry urges Chris not to listen to Ty’s question. In keeping with his previous track record of ignoring Jerry’s orders, Chris calls upon Ty to ask his question.

Readers: If you had the chance to come face to face with Jesus today, what would you want to say to Him? To ask Him?

You have that chance today. Right now. You can talk to Him about anything that's on your mind. He already knows anyways. :)

Maid in Manhattan -- He Encourages in Practical Ways

Chris also encouraged Ty in another more tangible way. Fast-forward to the scene where they are walking in Central Park together. Chris had met Marisa just as she was trying on Caroline Lane’s Dolce and Gabbana outfit in her suite, setting in motion the misunderstanding of who she really is. Chris invited Marisa (thinking she is named Caroline) along on their walk into Central Park. In the course of their conversation, Marisa relates to Chris what had happened the day before.

Ty had failed in his attempt to deliver his speech at school. Chris confesses he also gets nervous before having to speak in public. He shows Ty a mangled paper clip and explains how he sends his nervous energy into the paper clip. Chris claims that with the nervous energy out of the way, he is able to deliver the content of his speech clearly and effectively.

Jesus also gives us practical advice on how we can face any occasion when we are called upon to give an answer:

“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

Luke 12:11

I don’t know about you, but I would far rather have the Holy Spirit in my heart than a paper clip in my pocket when I have to face a difficult situation!

Perhaps we will never have to answer for ourselves in a court of law, but life will present many occasions for public speaking. Speaking in front of a crowd is reportedly more feared even than death! Whether it is at school, work, at a wedding or even a funeral, Jesus really does give us tangible help in times of need.

We are admonished to bring all our requests to Him in prayer:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Chris Marshall was easy to talk to, and he was heartening, but he doesn’t hold a candle to how approachable and encouraging Jesus is both to our children, and to us.