In 1938, two high school students from Cleveland had a
vision for a comic hero. He had super
strength, super speed, and super senses.
The character resonated with the public, and Superman was born. Since that time, a thousand heroes in tights
have bloomed. Whether they are women or
men, aliens or mutants, or even wizards or robots, they all have one thing in
common. Each has powers and abilities
far beyond us mortals.
In the early days, the assumption was that superheroes used their powers for “truth, justice, and the American way.” However, since then we have grown cynical. Power, we realize, has its own temptations. This isn’t a new revelation. In fact, it is as old as the tempting of Adam and Eve. The serpent whispers, “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5).
In the early days, the assumption was that superheroes used their powers for “truth, justice, and the American way.” However, since then we have grown cynical. Power, we realize, has its own temptations. This isn’t a new revelation. In fact, it is as old as the tempting of Adam and Eve. The serpent whispers, “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5).
In 1962, Stan Lee created a comic character struggling to
make the transition between adolescence to adulthood. Due to a bite from a radioactive spider, the
awkward teenager must deal with incredible powers thrust upon him. “With great power,” we are told, “comes great
responsibility.” Jesus himself will
similarly declare two thousand years earlier, “To whom much is given, much will
be expected” (Luke 12:48).
We don’t have x-ray vision or the ability to sling webs, but we are blessed. Our talents and abilities are formidable. How do we avoid temptation? How do we reject exploitation or the abuse of power? How can we be gifted yet humble?
The model for us is Jesus. Jesus came and walked with us. He listened to God, trusting in God’s word. He spoke out against injustice. He faced danger with courage. Jesus continues to love us with a sacrificial love. Moreover, Jesus offers these gifts to us. “Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these” (John 14:12). If we are looking to be a hero, we need to look to Jesus.
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on June 18-22, our children will be exploring what it means to be a hero at Ardmore Presbyterian Church’s Vacation Bible School. Exploring the stories of the Old and New Testament, we will be looking for Jesus. Through games, crafts, and lessons, we learn what it means to follow him. Check out www.ardmorepres.org for more information.
Grace & Peace,
James Hodsden
