(Written for a Father’s Day devo)
Since his creation in 1940 the Green Lantern has gone through several changes, the latest being the release of the movie by Warner Bros. Common to all forms and tales of the Green Lantern has been the power of the ring which grants its bearer the ability to create anything his mind can imagine. This movie will make tons, along with most of the other superhero movies that have come out. Why? We love to dream.
As men, we especially dream of having the power to solve world problems. I dream daily of being able to fix every problem facing members of my family, my church, and all my friends. But alas, though I often claim to be a superhero in disguise to my kids, I have no ring. I have no superpower skills. Or do I?
The greatest superhero story unveiled itself two thousand years ago. Different from all the comic books and movies, this story is real. Paul records what our Savior has done for us in Colossians 1:13: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Jesus had no ring. Instead, he had love and holiness. He shed his blood to pay for our sins and save us from the domain of darkness because he loved us. His great power came in the form of humility.
“…though (Jesus) was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8)
So, we are rescued. But it gets even better than this! We are saved by our Superhero, Jesus, and called to be superheroes! This calling comes not with a ring or a lantern, but with power that comes from Jesus. “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light,” (Colossians 1:11-12). We have his power, and we have his promise: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father,” (John 14:12).
Men, we are called to be superheroes for Jesus to our families, our church, and our community. We need not wait for a calling, for we have been called. We need not wait to be equipped, for we have the Spirit of God with us. Who could possibly be against us! But remember, the great power of Christ came in the form of humility. So must ours.
Pastor Drew
