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 Thoughts on a Monday  

The highest grossing movie of 2022, so far, is Spiderman: No Way Home. Another superhero movie is out now, The Batman, and it will probably do very well at the box office also. I have always been fascinated by comic book heroes. I still remember very first comic that I got when I was about 8 years old. It was Captain America #436, and it had a picture of him passed out on the cover holding a rattlesnake by the tail. In this issue, he was taking on the Serpent Society with a little help from Hank Pym (the original Ant-Man!)  

One thing that most heroes have in common is, and they know it, that one day their crime-fighting days with be over. That is why they are constantly looking for someone to take up the mantle. Barry Allen (The Flash) passed the torch to Wally West. Bruce Wayne (Batman) trained Dick Grayson to eventually take his place. Steve Rogers (Captain America) made sure that, upon his death, the shield would go to Bucky Barnes. All of the above heroes had one thing in common: they knew that they would not be around forever.  

Jesus knew that his time on earth was limited. He told the disciples that on more than one occasion. He also told them that it would be up to them to carry His name out into the world after He was gone. In Acts 1:8 He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” They were to take up His mantle. We have been given the same charge. It may sound like a daunting task, because it is. In a world filled with darkness and despair, we are to be the light that reflects the Life for all mankind.  

Jesus also knew that this task would not be an easy one. In fact, in John 16:33 He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  

Just like the passing of The Flash’s speed force, Batman’s cowl, or Captain America’s shield, Jesus gave us that which we would need to succeed in this world: The Holy Spirit. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…  

The Apostles knew it, and they defended the faith and advanced His gospel with humility and grace. They never gave up, even in the face of persecution. They were the true superheroes! The Apostle Paul said this in Philippians 4:8-13, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.  

Paul, Peter, John, Lydia, Phoebe… those were all great men and women of faith, but they are gone now. It’s up to us to carry on. It’s up to us to be the beacon of hope. It’s up to us to be the light in the darkness!  

Have a great week!

-Jason