Victory Over SinНамуна

Soaring Better Than Superman
By Reverend Ed Fredrich

In the past few years, some of the biggest movie theater attractions were the Marvel and DC superhero series. A lot of people enjoy them, and you might be like me and are a fan as well.

Generally, the stories are well written, and the special effects are spectacular. It’s fun to see the comic book characters I read about while young come to life on the movie screen. Usually, like the comic books, good is victorious over evil. As a kid, it was fun to dream about being a superhero and playing with friends. Watching the movies is a great getaway. Even as an adult, it is fun to imagine what it would be like to have super-human powers. Like Superman, to “leap tall buildings in a single bound!”

When you read this verse, you may think that Paul had a superhero complex, “I can do all things.” What? How can Paul say that?

It is important to read the whole verse. Paul wrote this while he was awaiting trial in Rome. It took many years to find out the truth of this verse firsthand in his life. In fact, 2 Corinthians tells us that Jesus made sure that Paul wouldn’t become arrogant. He gave him what he called a “thorn” in his flesh. When he asked God to remove it, Jesus answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Yes, by God’s grace through Jesus, we do soar better than Superman. That victory over sin and with death and with the devil defeated we know Jesus will continue to give us the strength that we need.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are many times that I don’t feel like a superhero. Sin and doubt continue to plague me. But your Word points me to you and the empty cross and tomb. The victory is assured. Help me always have my focus not on myself, but like Paul, on you. What a joy that I can confess: “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Amen.