A Father Like Frieren

Last week’s episode of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was SICK. It concluded the Divine Revolt arc as Frieren’s party, teaming up with Serie’s duo, battled the gigantic demon general, Revolte, and his three demon underlings. The fights were intense, bloody, and clever. And Frieren’s part in the ferocious fight? Well, she flew high above the fray and…just watched.

Hmm.

But despite appearances, it would be totally inaccurate to say that she did nothing. In fact…what she did was good, and her “actions” remind us of what good parenting looks like—and what the best Father of all does in the midst of some of our battles.

But first, back to the fights. Stark wields his axe against a monstrous foe, a general who is stronger, faster, and larger than him and Genau, who, even in a two-against-one contest, don’t seem to stand a chance. Meanwhile, Fern is separated from Methode, and must fight one-on-one against the demon Hemmung, who renders her ability to conceal her mana worthless through his magical fog skill.

Meanwhile, Frieren floats above Methode and Fern, watching their battles.

You would think that by doing so, Frieren is being lazy or contemptuous or unfeeling, like the Deist version of a god who winds the clock and lets the universe go as it will. But Frieren has demonstrated she is not that. She loves Fern and Stark. But when Fern expresses doubt as to whether or not she can defeat Hemmung, Frieren doesn’t jump in to assist. She simply tells Fern that yes, she can.

The answer is that she has already helped them…and she’s helping still.

Frieren believes in Stark, too. The young man, who battles self-doubt and feelings of cowardice, is brought near death in his battle against Revolte, but when he seems defeated, Stark gets up again and again. When all seems lost, he finds the strength to continue taking on the humongous foe.

The truth is, Frieren is not only watching. This battle isn’t just a one-off event; Frieren has been training her party all along and preparing them for these moments. Through their journeys, Frieren—as lead of the party—has become an “onee-san” for the group, an older-sister figure who cares for Fern and Stark. But I would add that in Japanese culture, an onee-san often acts in a parental manner, caring for her younger siblings’ daily needs and offering comfort when needed. Frieren certainly does that, teaching Fern and Stark, training them in battle, and leading their journeys. She’s more than an onee-san: She’s a parent for the two, who are both orphans.

Her “parenting” reminds me of my own parenting—or rather lack of skill. I do teach my children as often as possible—basic living skills, theology, the arts, whatever I can pass on to them—and I try to guide them as well. But sometimes, like when I let my son cook a full meal, or my daughter drive our car, I take control of the ladle or wheel; I’m afraid to let go and let them apply what they’ve learned and succeed on their own.

But Frieren, doing so with Stark and Fern, not only shows what a good parent can do, but what the Father often does in our lives.

Much like Frieren, God gives us his wisdom in the word (scripture) and through the Word (Jesus). Christ brings the words of life to us, teaching us the way to live and the way to fight against our own demons, whether they be the actual ones in the the spirit (Satan and his demons are own Revoltes and Hemmungs) or those deep within in our hearts and minds—the weakness, anxieties, and fears like the self-doubts experienced by Fern and Stark.

He helps us grow through as we learn his word, obey his teachings, fellowship with and serve others, and then apply all that we’ve learned as we go through our own journeys in life. And like Frieren—like a good parent—God lets us encounter challenges and difficulties along the way. He, too, is always watching—omnipresent—and for the believer, there with us intimately through the Holy Spirit, empowering and strengthening us to fight our battles.

In other words, He has prepared us for the dangers we encounter. We don’t go through them unarmed or without God’s help.

But when we’re in the midst of the battle, it’s natural to wonder why God isn’t showing up with some grand miracle. Why he isn’t delivering us (at least in the painless or quick way we’d desire)? I won’t explain this away with some platitude that holds little comfort for those experiencing a heavy burden—but I will point back to Frieren.

I’ve mentioned repeatedly that Frieren prepared Fern and Stark. But what if they do fall? What if they die? Well, Frieren isn’t in the sky just to smile and take it easy; she’s ready to intervene as needed. God, the Father, knows your strength, knows your need, and knows what will happen—and he loves you, oh so dearly. He, too, knows and will give you just what you need.

As you fight your battles, I encourage you to remember this—the Father delights in you, believes in you, and loves you—and He is not distant. He is watching you, with you, and working in you to be more and more the man or woman you were made to be.

Just as with Fern and her party, He’s adopted you into his own—and He will be the good Father you need in every difficulty and every storm.

Frieren: Journeys Short and Eternal
Twwk
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