WARNING: This message contains pop culture references. Viewer discretion is advised.
“To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who go down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve. Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again. Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” (v1-9)
Do you know who Captain America is? If not, I’ll briefly explain that he is a noble warrior who believes in a cause greater than himself, and will gladly risk his own safety for that cause. He will protect his friends, country and world from anything that threatens them by using his iconic shield. This shield, though often used defensively to protect himself from incoming harm, is also frequently used offensively, to knock people down, or it is thrown as a weapon.
Are you “Holding Out for a Hero”? I heard a song once (okay, more than once) that declared “I need a hero… He’s gotta be strong and he’s gotta be fast… and he’s gotta be larger than life… Up where the mountains meet the heavens above, out where the lightning splits the sea – I could swear there is someone, somewhere watching me… Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat it’s gonna take a Superman to sweep me off my feet”.
The famous Marvel character and Bonnie Tyler’s nameless hero both resemble the God David is describing here – a God who is strong and protective, who defeats the enemies who stand against Him and His cause, and shows compassion and mercy rescuing those who cannot rescue themselves. A God who will fight for your honor and sweep you off your feet, carrying you into His kingdom in the safety of His loving arms.
Now don’t get me wrong, these pop culture heroes are by no means a perfect representation of God, but most heroes we admire have noble and strong characteristics that are true of God (just like people are made in God’s image, so are most heroes). In fact, many heroes are often referred to as gods because of how much they care for and boldly protect those around them (and if they have supernatural abilities, that helps fit the profile as well).
Just like Bonnie Tyler, almost every person on the planet craves a hero in their life (though they may not admit it) – if they don’t wish to follow the one true God, then they’ll find another hero (real or fictitious) to worship. I believe this desire was planted in us by God Himself, to draw us to Him, that we may crave to be with the one true Hero of this world – Jesus.
There are many reasons why Jesus is a real superhero – fearless, no weakness, doesn’t need a mask, doesn’t use conventional weapons, connects with people, has supernatural abilities, has universal authority, defeated death, and most importantly He gave His life for His enemies (sinners).
Jesus, you are my hero. You literally died to save me from the enemy – my sinful nature which was leading to my eternal death. Through your love, sacrifice, and mercy I now have a new life to live, one that leads to eternal relationship with the one true God. To you be all glory and praise, forever and ever. Thank you for the gift of your salvation.
~ Conqueror in Training