I wanted to be just like him and I knew it would only be a matter of time in which I would be able to fly through the sky. The pillow case was flapping behind my neck and half tucked into an extraordinarily bright blue pajama top. Oh, how the crimson red emblazoned “S’” with the gold background shimmered in the bedroom light! I jumped from my bed producing powerful swoosh sound effects with my lips. I was faster than a speeding bullet! I was more powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound! Up in the sky, look! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman! I was him, my hero, the “Man of Steel.”
I thought superheroes such as Superman spectacular and believed only they could perform acts of heroism and gallantry. However, as I grew in years I started to understand that there were more superheroes among us in our community. People such as policeman, firemen, ambulance workers, and other first responders captured my attention as the real heroes in the flesh.
As I read the Bible and came across Hebrews 11, I saw a chronicled list of God’s heroes. Something that stood out to me in this chapter of inspired scripture was the absence of what our culture would define as superhero status. These were normal people who in a moment of decision dared to take God at His Word. Think about that for a minute or so, normal men and women who didn’t make plans on their own but heard the voice of God and obeyed. Each of the heroes listed were defined by a major characteristic that was not affected by the kryptonite of circumstances, faith!
What we learn from Holy Scripture is that God utilizes people that the world would say are expendable. The Kingdom of God doesn’t need more celebrity leaders but more consecrated listeners that are willing to be actively led. How will heaven chronicle your response to God’s call and direction for your life? He has a specific assignment for you, the cost of which is your willingness to open your ears and listen for His voice. Once you hear His Word and if BY FAITH your first response is a simple act of obedience, then your story may just as well be remembered throughout the ages on earth and celebrated for eternity in the hero halls of heaven.
Conversation Starter
Have you ever been in a situation where there was an emergency and you had to decide to jump in and save the day? Or has someone ever jumped in to save you in an emergency? What happened?
Question 1:
Let’s review- what do you understand to be the difference between a kairos moment and a chronos moment?
Question 2: Read Luke 10:25-29
What do you think was the man’s motivation for asking Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Can you relate?
Question 3: Read Luke 10:30-37
Look at the characters in the story: the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan, the man who was beaten. Who might these people be today? Who would you be?
Question 4:
In this story, the Samaritan saw the beaten man’s need. What are some reasons we don’t see other’s needs? How can we be more sensitive to see the need around us?=
Question 5:
All 3 of the characters would have carried on them the things they used in worship at the Temple (since they were all on their way back from the temple) - yet only the Samaritan used these tools of worship to bring healing and restoration outside of the temple. How are we, or aren’t we, using our “tools of worship” (our love, our voices, our hands) to bring healing to others outside our Christian circles?
Question 6:
What do you think it looks like to truly love God and love your neighbor? What are some things you can do today to begin to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself? How do you think our community would be impacted if we all began to live this way?
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to show you what it really means to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and ask Him to show you what it looks like to love your neighbor as yourself. Ask Him to help you see the needs around you and help you to respond with courageous love.