“for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
‭‭LUKE‬ ‭19:10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Happy Saturday!  In a time when there are so many superhero movies, I had someone ask me “who is your superhero?”  Now, my family enjoys the superhero movies, but I really don’t care for that genre.  However, I will watch them to keep from spoiling everyone’s fun and sometimes I find them entertaining. Sometimes I fall asleep.  Britt likes Ironman and Landon likes all of the superheroes, but I think Batman is his favorite now.  He even has a Batman bed.  My first thoughts went to Superman with actor Christopher Reeves.  Then, I started thinking about my studies in church history.  How many people have died over time without a fight for Christianity.  “Jesus” I replied.  A not so unexpected laugh is what I received.

Last week during our multigenerational Sunday School class, I listened as a 15 year
old girl explained how if she prayed at school or spoke of God she would be suspended.  I could hardly believe my ears.  We live in a town of about 7,000 people with a church on every corner.  I’m not so naive to think that this is because of anything other than federal law designed to protect some.  Yet, this law stifles the rights of others.

A couple of weeks ago we watched the movie Paul, Apostle of Christ.  The movie portrayed the degree to which Christians were willing to suffer for their beliefs.  This suffering has continued throughout time.  I’ve been reading Deeper Experiences of Famous Christians by James G. Lawson, which features diary entries intermingled with the history of each character. One story that has weighed heavy on my mind was about Madame Jeanne Guyon.  There are so many more dating to recent Christian attacks.

So, what makes Christians willing to suffer all the while asking forgiveness for those who persecute them, whether in a bullying situation or being burned alive?  Our Superhero, Jesus Christ!  Christians know that everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).  The price for sin is death, but through Jesus Christ, our free gift from God himself, we can have eternal life (Romans 6:23).  All we have to do is call on the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13).  Isn’t that great!  If you have any doubt, study Christianity over time. These Christians are shadows of Christ.  Christians also know the two most important commandments taught by Jesus are to love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:29-31).  We forgive because we are forgiven.

Let Jesus be your superhero!  Have a wonderful Saturday.  May God bless you.