Tough Love For Locke?

[D-Roc]

"God loves you, as he loved Jacob"

This line has always intrigued me - not only because of it's enigmatic introduction in the Lostverse, but because it evokes spiritual attachment to the mythological notion of Jacob, the Island and the higher order.

At first glance it seems to be a sympathetic gesture - "God loves you"..i.e. God is good, God is forgiving should you seek forgiveness. But there's also an undercurrent of rebellion and past tense. For instance, did island (a God of sorts in the Lost realm) love Mr. Eko before he refused to apologise? Does God no longer love Jacob? Of course, these are questions we have considered before, but as we near the climax of the journey, we're beginning to see potential patterns and overlapping themes. Themes, in this instance, of redemption, of love, of regret.

it could be argued that Jacob is still living in the past - at least he appeared to be before Hurley freed him from his cabin fever. Is he still under the notion that God still loves him, or has he realised that "God can't see this island", let alone him? Does this same test of faith await Locke? Many believe it's long begun - a leader lost amid the fleeting messages, blinded by the large void in Jacob's signals? Tough love, perhaps?

But where does Locke draw the line between false prophet and prophet? As others (like Miles) hope to profit from Ben's connections, Locke simply wants answers. Without which, he cannot ascertain all that he needs to know about Jacob. Yet this could be argued to be a sign of good faith..but I sense for Locke, it's much more than that. His faith has become a pursuit for approval, it's envoloped his character and forced his hand. A trail of sacrifices are littered in his wake - Boone, Eko, Cooper, Naomi..

At the crux of his being, Locke is now prepared to do what needs to be done in order to do what he thinks he's "supposed to do". You cannot argue against his mindset, for he has lived a life which has taken him to the point where survival is not enough and finding that missing piece is absolutely everything.

It just so happens that the fate of the island, and possibly the world, is now partly in his hands. His next move could be crucial - indeed, Hugo comes to regret joining Team Locke, but then loyalty..commitment, was never Hugo's strong suit.

Does Locke have the commitment to take him to the promised land..or will there come a time when he realises that before him stands not an Island..but Jacob, the island and God. A choice awaits.

It's never been easy, John. it's never been easy.