Today’s heroes are men and women of supernatural strengths and powers. Superman, Iron Man, Spiderman, Pikachu, and Thor draw crowds at the movie theaters, sell toys and comic books, capturing the minds of adults and children alike. These “superheroes” are born with might, employ out-of-this-world technology, or undergo some un-natural transformation.
Gone are the days when heroes were people – either real or imagined – whose character was the strength of their heroism: The Lone Ranger, Davy Crockett, George Washington, Helen Keller, or Alvin York.
A man or woman of character doesn’t need superhero strength to do right. The strength of his or her convictions about right and wrong, compassion and evil, righteousness and wickedness was sufficient to make a difference. These lines are increasingly smudged in our culture.
Samson performed real and heroic deeds. He was an ordinary man, flawed and limited by his sinful humanity. Rather than a man of bulging biceps and a glorious gluteus maximus, he was empowered by the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit within the man made him mighty and courageous. His exploits were not his own, but God, the true SuperHero working in and through him.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson mightily and he went down to Ashekelon and killed thirty of their men (Judges 14:19).
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
++ This is part 7 of a Monday series: Jesus in every book of the Bible.
Where Living Begins 