"Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (NRSV)
Confession time, for much of my childhood, I wanted to be a superhero. As a youngster, mom promoting my fantasy made me a cape. I would run around in my cape with a plastic mixing bowl on my head, conquering all manner of evil. This was all pretty innocent until one day, while emulating Superman; I leaped off our kitchen table to discover gravity, taking with me the top door of the double oven. I may be alone in ripping off oven doors, but I’m certainly not alone in my fascination with superheroes. Millions of dollars are spent each year on action figures, graphic novels (comic books), and movies.
For those who accept and emulate Christ, we have a superpower within us. There is no evil thrown at us, more significant than our God. The villain, Satan, and his army of minions can try every strategy and device to no avail. There is no addiction, no situation, that we cannot overcome by God’s grace. We have even been gifted with an extra special superpower; the ability to conquer death.
Gracious Father, we give thanks for the gift of your Son who overcame death and the helper he sent to us. In the Holy Spirit, you give us the power to overcome all evil. Lead us and guide us, that we not only reject and defeat sin but do good. Please help us to help each other, to lift up and not tear down. May everything we do be done for your glory, and may others witness your extraordinary gift at work within us. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
