If you were asked to match up a team of superheroes, who would it be?? Start thinking of your favorites and making teams of two in your head. But let me warn you — there’s going to be one or two small catches that may impact your final choice.
Even though I sometimes wear a cape (nope, not joking!), I am probably not getting a call to join the Guardians of the Galaxy any time soon. But I still get to welcome you to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — whatever YOUR superpower is, thanks for joining me. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
Back to our teams of superheroes. Here’s the first rule – this dynamic duo has to include one “real superhero” with innate superpowers and one regular human. So that would rule out Batman and Robin, no actual super-powers there. Now the regular human is allowed to have special training and skills, or even special equipment; so Batman would fit in OK, but he’d be the one on the “regular human” side of the equation. Bucky Barnes has a cool-looking cybernetic arm, but he’s still just a regular guy. OK, a well-trained uber-fighter of a regular, but you know what I mean. You might consider Daniel from the Karate Kid movies. Or, better yet, how about Chuck Norris? Black Widow has been given a serum that slows her aging, and I know I’d take a gulp or two of that if I had a chance; but she’s also one tough lady to deal with in a fight. Just ask Spiderman. And while we’re talking about ladies with skills, let’s not forget Katana, the sword-wielding female fighter. Of course, Iron Man has to be one of the top considerations for the “regular human” side of the team, a reminder that one of the perks of being insanely wealthy is that you get to be a superheroes if you want to be.
Well, you’ve probably got plenty of other names to add to the “regular human” side of the team roster, but let’s move to the “real superhero” side of the ledger. The first name that many people will come up with will be Superman, the Man of Steel. And why not? He’s the character that kicked off this planet’s fascination with superheroes about a century ago. The Green Lantern can fly like Superman, and that’s a great super power if you have to pick just one. Firestorm has the ability to control the elements, creating ice, fire, water, and lightning at will. That’s a pretty amazing skill, you’ve got to admit. Super strength is a BIG one to have, and Shazam fits this bill. And let’s not forget Flash’s superhuman speed abilities; letting him stay (literally) one step ahead of any opponent.
Let’s get to my choice for this ultimate dynamic duo, and I’ll invite you to share yours in the comments section.
Today’s verse says I WILL BE WITH YOU
Now, admittedly, that’s the shortened version of the verse. But the entire verse sounds like the plot for a pretty incredible superhero film. It says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” You may even want to pause for a moment and think about that. It’s mind boggling. And it’s historic!!
When Moses and the people of Israel had the fiercest army in the world chasing them, the waters of the Red Sea parted to let them pass. (“When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”) Same thing happened to Joshua at the River Jordan. Elijah and his sidekick Elisha were both treated to water splitting apart and getting out of their way so they could walk on dry land. And don’t forget the three Jewish guys that the king of Babylon threw into the raging furnace to show them He was in control. Oops, that didn’t work out the way he had planned.
You may have chosen Superman or Spiderman for the “real superhero” part of your dream team. Or perhaps you picked Thor, the “God of Thunder.” But I have some bad news for you. None of them qualify.
Do you know why? Because they are not “REAL” superheroes. Each and every one of them is fictional. Real life demands REAL heroes to face real challenges. And I only know of one.
On the superhero side of my team I’m going with the God of Thunder — THE REAL ONE. I prefer a hero with unlimited capacity, total wisdom and understanding and absolute control. He can turn water into wine or open blind eyes with mud and spit. Talk about elemental control!! And I’d have bought tickets to see the firestorm He rained down on Mount Carmel when Elijah called down fire from heaven. My hero can feed thousands with a sack lunch. He can produce the coin of the realm from the mouth of a fish. He can heal with a touch and calm a storm with a word. He’s my hero.
If I have to walk through water (or ON it), pass through flames or face a legion of demons – I pick Him.
But my choice for the other member of SUPER TEAM may surprise you. I can’t pick Batman or the Karate Kid for the same reason you can’t pick Superman. And Chuck Norris is on the north side of eighty, so not my first choice.
Actually, I pick YOU!
History is filled with tales of people just like you who decided to believe God when He promised that He would be with them – and then proceeded to SAVE their world. People who decided to let their faith rule their lives instead of their fear. Men, women, boys and girls who decided to take God at His word and then live like He was trustworthy and in total control.
But the main reason that I picked you made my choice an easy one.
I picked you because HE DID.
