SWDD #3: Mace Windu

Once again, I have to apologize to the lack of posting. Due to the gap between this SWDD, and the one featuring Count Dooku, I have decided make SWDD a once-a-week series that will go on for seven weeks. I will fill in the gaps in between with other posts, but you can expect one new SWDD every Friday (keeping fingers crossed that I will be able to keep that up...)

With his bald head, signature violet blade, and unique mastery of the Vaapad lightsaber form (Form VII), Mace Windu establishes himself not only as a gifted swordsman, but as a staunch protector and defender of the Jedi code. Though his Padawan and knight years are shrouded in mystery, he is widely regarded as a "legendary master" both for his "aggressive fighting style" and "weighty words." Throughout the prequel trilogy films and the Star Wars The Clone Wars TV series, Mace Windu vowed to wipe out all evil in the galaxy, with notable accomplishments being spearheading the Jedi assault on Geonosis, defeating bounty hunter Jango Fett, stopping Boba Fett, leading an attack on Ryloth, handicapping General Greivous, and capturing the Zillo Beast. Whether through diplomatic methods or the channels of the Force, Windu fully committed himself to the Jedi cause, and despite temptation of turning to the dark side, he remained rooted in his beliefs. 

Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu
Image Credit: Lucasfilms

Ephesians 6:10-12 states "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (NIV) For all of the thwarted Separatist invasions, foiled heists, saved planets, and destroyed battle droids, Mace Windu never forgot what the true battle was: the light side vs the dark side, or rather the inward "spiritual" struggle. As the Jedi (who were initially known as peacekeepers and diplomats) began to take a more bellicose war after the Battle of Geonosis, Mace always insured that the Jedi would not compromise their beliefs or morals for the sake of winning a war. He knew that the true struggle was not necessarily winning the Clone Wars, but rather not to give in to the dark side. Windu remained strong and firm in the teachings of the Jedi. He knew that as long as he obeyed those rules and lived by those teachings, the light side would always see victory. Though he met a grisly death, his devotion bared good fruit, with Luke Skywalker achieving peace across the galaxy and eliminating the Sith once and for all (well....we'll have to see Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens to see if that is true...)


As a junior in high school (about to become a senior!), I too need to remember where the true battle lies. Temptation and sin surrounds me at every corner, and I must put on the full armor of God (the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet of readiness, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and lightsaber of the Spirit sword of the Spirit) and take stand against the spiritual battle that lies within. Through God's word, I can stand up to temptation and sin, and be strong in his name. As Exodus 14:14 says, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." (NIV) In that truth, I need only to rely on Jesus for my source of strength.