Opposite Man
For the law was given through Moses, but the grace and truth come through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 (NKJV)
Who is your favorite superhero? Mine was whichever one was on TV at that time. I loved all the mysterious, magical things they could do to save the world from chaos and calamity. (The costumes intrigued me as well!) Cynthia Ruchti (Mornings with Jesus) suggests that there is another superhero we might want to applaud. See what you think!
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If Jesus were a Superhero—Oh, wait. He is! —His nickname might be Opposite Man. He was always upending traditional patterns and erasing preconceived notions. He loved to engage those who considered themselves religious and point out that their diligent, humanly devised plans were in direct opposition to the teachings of God.
He confronted a Pharisee who boasted about tithing, down to a tenth of his last mint leaf (Matthew 23:23). Jesus responded in essence, “You call that tithing? Have you called your mother lately?”
Jesus called the dead “not dead.” Lazarus, for instance (John 11:1-44). Jesus said life after death was true living (John 11:25). He made His point with dust motes rather than daggers. Who does that? Opposite Man.
When one of His hotheaded companions sliced off a soldier’s ear in defense of Him, Jesus bent down, picked up the ear, and reattached it (Luke 22:49-51). Classic Opposite Man.
What could be more opposite than that?
Jesus did the unexpected, the opposite, the unheard of, and is still operating that way today. He forgives me even though I don’t deserve to be forgiven. He loves me despite my unlovable behaviors. He offers me eternal life after I die, just because I believe in Him. Even if I give up on myself, He doesn’t give up on me.
I pray I never take for granted the wonder of Opposite Man’s power and wisdom. Since I’m not a superhero, I find myself in need of Him every single day.
FAITH STEP: Make a list of recent behaviors that were in direct opposition to the teachings of Jesus. Then pray for wisdom and strength to next time offer actions of love in the face of conflict and strife.
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Don’t you just love it when someone shoots your childhood heroes down with their infinite wisdom? This is insightful and so relevant for this time. Make Jesus your very own superhero today!
Jesus, thank You for all the times You have rescued us and saved us from danger. You are our Hero. Help us to give You praise every single day as You take care of this world. AMEN.