Your Power, Not Mine
No Superpower Is Void Of Vulnerability
by Eric Elkin
I finally get why Superman died. Not the death that is woven into the script of the Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, but his original death in the comic book. In full disclosure, I quit actively following comic books long before his death. By the time he died, my interest was purely nostalgic. Superman's demise was an assault on my childhood.
Modern comic heroes are more complicated than when I was a child. These new superheroes are not always good, and they don't demonstrate sacrificial love for the vulnerable. What's the point of a superhero if they are morally suspect?
Reflecting back, I realize how much I wanted good to be good and evil to be evil. I hated the musical Wicked. The Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz was utterly evil. She had flying monkeys, enough said. Batman and Superman are clearly, and thoroughly good. Adam West never had a moral dilemma. Most of all, what's the use of a superpower if you can still die?
The older I get, the more I realize no superpower is void of vulnerability. Even if you created the ultimate character without a single flaw, the lack of vulnerability would be a weakness. To be weak is to live, and it is the pathway to abundant life.
"Your" is an adjective we use to establish possession, and it stands in contrast to mine. These six verses in Psalm 36 use "your" ten times. The words turn the listener's mind away from their powers to God's. To hear the message, though, we need to admit a weakness.
Most people would never associate themselves with Superman, but they will speak as though they possess or should possess superpowers. This language is more delusional than boastful. You find it in phrases like, "I should be able to handle this…." Or, "Why can I not do this on my own?"
Life is discovered when we surrender our desire for superpowers. We don't have to do it all ourselves. Inviting in support builds dynamic relationships, making our workload lighter and joy-load more abundant. In terms of faith, hope is not based on your faithfulness but on God's faithful love for you.
Take time to consider the next beautiful sunrise or sunset you see. Let it remind you that you don't need superpowers. In the pause of the moment, find strength. God's faithful love for you extends to the skies and reaches the clouds. Then say to yourself, "Your love, God, is my power, not mine."
Click to read Psalm 36:5-10
Reflection Questions:
When have you felt a need for a superpower?
How would that superpower meet your need?
If a superpower is not possible, where could you find the resources you need to be well?
How often have you found strength in admitting you cannot do something?