Sunday, December 31, 2006

The New Year Is Upon Us

Just finished watching the movie Superman Returns. There's a lot of "messiah" imagery in this movie, which is interesting when you realize that Superman was created by two jewish men, and Jesus of course is also jewish.

Superman gets a lot of flack in the "superhero-world" because he's never been as cool as Batman or Spiderman, not as violent as X-Men, and just all around seen as too nice of a guy.

But would you really want him any other way. I mean, here's a guy with all these powers. Powers that could easily make him the ruler of the world, but instead, he opts to help mankind, with no thought of his own personal safety or compensation.

But the movie really is a "feel good" movie. It inspires hope. It makes you root for justice.

I was thinking about Lex Luthor in the movie (which was Kevin Spacey doing a great job). For some reason he really has it in for Superman. He seems to despise and hate him. Why? What has Superman ever done, except try and help people.

And that is the kicker. Lex looks out for himself. Superman looks out for others.

The very presence of Superman reminds Lex of everything that he(Lex) isn't.

Then I couldn't help but realize it is the same way with Jesus.

Why is it that you can mention God, and most people are cool with that, but bring up Jesus, and whoa...people freak out.

Why? What has Jesus ever done but die and suffer and pay for our sins, and offer us the free gift of eternal life.

I think it's the same reason that Lex Luthor hates Superman.

Jesus reminds people of everything they are not.

Lex doesn't want a Superman.

People don't want a savior.

We like to think we can do it on our own.

We like to think we are pretty good people.

We like to think we are self sufficent.

But the truth is, we are fallen human beings, which left to our own devices, will make the wrong choice more often than not.

As this year draws to a close, let's remember all that Jesus has done for us.
Let's rejoice in our relationship with Him.
Let's live a life worthy of our calling.

Happy New Year everyone!

Pastor Dave

5 comments:

Steven Simpson said...

I like the parallels you use here. I never put the Lex/Superman thing together. But your absolutely right on the money. I think it’s true about Christ; He is everything we are not. When we measure ourselves against perfection…you can see the dilemma for people who don’t want to believe, no one likes the idea of falling short. Keep up the good work, I look forward to reading more of your posts.

Anonymous said...

Amazing...you just amaze me every time. And to think, I get to be married to this man. I cannot wait until the day Jesus comes back and we get to go "Up, Up, and Away!" with Him...(he told me to say this:-)
Happy New Year, Honey!
Deena

Van said...

Enjoying your blog brother!

Have a great New Year - you and your family as well!

Van

Anonymous said...

Van,

Good to hear from you brother. Are you still lurking at the Jesus Music message board?

I had just been thinking about you the other day. I picked up a Leonard Ravenhill book called "Revival God' Way" and of course it reminded me of the book you sent me some time ago.

Thanks for reading and for your comment.

Pastor Dave

veronica said...

This whole blog thing is new for me. I'm looking forward to reading through the whole Bible(something I have never done) Thanks for sharing. PS I'm praying for a servants heart!