Our Superhero

Focal Verse: "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners" Isaiah 61:1

Have you noticed that our culture has an obsession with superheroes? From the comic books young children have read for decades to the blockbuster movies of our day, we're fascinated with the extrordinary "among us" who save the day. I say "we're fascinated" because I am one of them.

A couple of years ago, my husband got me hooked on Smallville, the television show based on the teenage years of Clark Kent (aka Superman). Even to this day, this 27-year-old Mom can't miss an episode. What is it that's so enticing about superheroes? For me, it's their inherent goodness. Their ability to go beyond human limitations. Their humility and willingness to risk their lives to save a stranger. Their propensity to defend the defenseless. And, of course, you can't dismiss the fact that they're usually rather attractive with a beautiful (or handsome) romantic interest. We can get so involved in the show that we wish our real world could have real life superhero.

Yet... we do. We have our very own superhero in Jesus Christ. First, he's inherently good. ("Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." Hebrews 7:26)

Second, his abilities go beyond human limitations ("'Where did this man get these things?' they asked. 'What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!'" Mark 6:3a)

Third, he was the portrait of humility and not only risked his life but gave his life for us "(Who, being in very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8).

Fourth, Jesus defends us when we cannot defend ourselves ("Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" Hebrews 7:25).

And finally, we can't forget the bond of a divine romance that is available to all of us. Jesus loves us so much he not only died for us but he also calls himself a bridegroom and us his bride. ("Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7)

How amazing! We have our very own "superhero" who LOVES us! who DEFENDS us! who RESCUED us! who DIED for us! who will SAVE us!

One final thought... Could it be that our culture's obsession with superheroes could be born out of our innate need for a Savior?