When there was trouble, Peter Parker acted as Spiderman. When there was no trouble, the Daily Bugle kept Peter employed as a photographer. A burglar killed Peter’s Uncle Ben, and Peter was left to help his Aunt May. As Spiderman, Peter apprehends the murderer of his beloved uncle. Still, Peter is plagued with guilt, thinking that if he had stopped the burglar when he first saw him, his Uncle Ben would still be alive. During this time of turmoil, Peter remembers something his Uncle Ben once told him. "With great powers, come great responsibilities". Peter took these words to heart and decided to use his extraordinary powers for doing good for others, and not for selfish reasons. Spiderman had four super-powers, Spider-Strength, Spider-Speed, Spider-Grip, and Spider-Sense.
1. Spider-Strength--The radioactive spider that bit Peter transferred its characteristics into his DNA. Among these traits was the proportionate strength of a common house spider. His incredible physical power gives him great endurance. Coupled with Peter's determination, this makes him virtually unstoppable.
2. Spider-Speed--Peter inherited the arachnid's swift speed. He can move and react several times faster than an ordinary human.
3. Spider-Grip--The most helpful ability is the spider's natural ability to walk on walls and ceilings. Spiderman can attach himself to almost anything, moving or nonmoving.
4. Spider-Sense--The sensation felt from this power helps him to focus-in on the source of danger. It acts like radar, guiding him if he's is struck blind, or plunged into darkness. This sense also warns him of dangers such as concealed weapons and disguised enemies.
The greatest advantage of the spider-sense is that it is used in conjunction with his other abilities. Many readers began to relate to Peter Parker and his realistic, teenage problems like peer pressure. Many desired to be a super-hero like Spiderman, able to cling to walls, sneak around, and have a sixth sense for sensing trouble.
I enjoy Spiderman and other superhero movies. However, in 1 Sam 17: 47 “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.51 David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine's sword and drew it from the scabbard. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.
Amazing! A giant that the Philistines called their hero was dead. He had strength! He had power! Yet he was defeated by one small problem and it cost him his life. Sometimes the heros one puts into their life can be defeated. Whether it is a basketball star, football star, relative, or baseball star, any of these will fail at some point.
David was a hero to Israel. He had no super-powers like Spiderman. However, like Spiderman has his equipment to aid him in his job. David had abilities that aided him in becoming a hero.
1. Faith--Faith gives the ability to do anything. Having faith in God one can be like those mentioned in the following verse: 1 Sam 17:37 “’The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’ Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the LORD be with you.’”
2. Speed--David had to be quick in his reactions because he was a shepherd. He had to defend his sheep. However, in his quickness, he took the time to listen to God. 1 Sam 17:48 “As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.”
3. Sling & Stones--David had the proper equipment to protect himself and his flock. God also equips one with tools to defend oneself. 1 Sam 17:40 “Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.”
4. Courage--David used his faith, speed, and his talents; but it was his faith that best equipped him to do the impossible. 1 Sam 17:45 “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.’” One can become a hero. Yes, even you can be a hero.
Have faith, hope, and love for others but most of all, have God first in your life. Help others in their time of need and others will begin to see you as their hero. I know it's a play on words but I think you get the idea. There is only one Hero. Jesus Christ! He came back from the dead so that all can have eternal life.
Have faith in Him that He can carry your burdens. Have courage knowing that He can give you the power to overcome the issues and problems that you face in life. Are you down and out? Don't see a future? Are you hurting? 1 Sam 17: 47 “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands." The battles in your life are nothing compared to the power that God can give to you; He delivers those problems for you to conquer in your life. Just have faith and let Christ become a hero in your life. It's because of Him. His death, and resurrection that all can have eternal life. Christ is the True and ONLY HERO!
