“…‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation….  …‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise!’” Revelation 5:9 & 12b

Did you have a favorite childhood hero? One of my favorites came to life on the pages of DC Comic’s Superman. Every summer, I imagined myself emulating his character and superhuman qualities during long mid-60’s days. Superman’s values of honesty, truth, and justice offered me security as a youngster living in a world echoing with rumors of wars. 

In 1981, experiencing spiritual depravation and God’s relentless pursuit, I realized that heroes — young, old, fictitious or true, could never rescue me from my own sin. I needed more than a hero to save me. Fortunately, a relative told me that only one name was worthy and introduced me to an enduring, yet unlikely savior. I learned of One who transcends imagination and expectation. He became more than a hero to me — the One who willingly shed His blood for my sin, reconciling my relationship with God.

In today’s ever-evolving world, our childhood fictitious friends easily captivate our vulnerable hearts and minds; however, the underlying message in superhero movies is that humanity can produce or become its own savior. But all of humanity’s heroes are insufficient facsimiles of an all-sufficient savior named Jesus. Jesus is our rescuer, redeemer, reconciler, and restorer. He purchased us with His blood. Only Jesus — the Lamb that was slain and the Triumph of the Ages — is worthy of being humanity’s all-sufficient savior. He is the only legitimate hero worthy of wearing a scarlet “S” on his breast.                                                                          

  Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your only Son, Jesus, to rescue us from our sin to restore our relationship with You. In a world full of compelling and competing pseudo heroes — fictitious or real, help me to realize that You are my sole redeemer and the only hero who I strive to emulate in my life. Amen.

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Superheroes are a relevant and popular conversation topic. Consider using the topic to initiate a spiritual conversation to share Jesus’ story within your sphere of influence.