Man of Steel
I enjoy a good action movie, and this one did not disappoint.
Reference: These six were born unto him in Hebron; and there he reigned seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years. (1 Chronicles 3:4 KJV)
Explore: I recently went to see the latest Superman movie, Man of Steel. While I’ve never really been into comics in a big way, I enjoy a good action movie, and this one did not disappoint.
The special effects were incredible, the actor perfectly chiselled, and the plot engaging. What took me by surprise, however, was the constant reference to Superman being like Jesus. It was never literally spoken, but the symbolism was obvious.
There was a moment when Superman was sitting in a church and there’s a huge picture of Jesus behind him. Another time Superman leaves his father, who is challenging him to save the people of earth, and he slowly flies away from him with his arms outstretched in a cross formation. These are the most obvious references, but of course the whole premise is of this man from another place choosing to save and protect humanity. He is the comic book saviour.
Application: As I was reading through the list of David’s descendants in 1 Chronicles 3, I noticed that David reigned in Jerusalem for thirty three years. This was the same number of years that Jesus was on earth. This may be coincidence, but it reminded me that all our lives have similarities to Jesus’.
We all have the ability to connect personally with God and we all have the power, through God, to make the world a better place. Each one of us, no matter what our strengths, is called to be a representative for God in our community.
Prayer: Lord, You have given each of us the same call, to represent You here on earth. May we take up Your call and dedicate our lives to giving You praise, just as Jesus did. Amen.
How can you reflect Christ in your world?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.