Larger Than Life Heroes

I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me.  And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lanpstands was someone "like a son of man," dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest.  His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire.  His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters.  In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword.  His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.  When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.  Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid..."
Revelation 1:12-17a

When I was about 9 or 10 years old I was allowed to go to the Pembroke Memorial Center and watch professional wrestling.  At the time it was larger than life.  The wrestlers were muscular and loud, boastful and intimidating.  Some of them were 'heros' and others were 'villans'.  Some were cheered and others were booed.

One in particular that scarred me was called 'Andre the giant'.  He looked to me to be 8 or 9 feet tall (3 meters tall) and easily 400 pounds (180kg).  He had long black curly hair, spoke French, and only wore tight shorts and tall black wrestling boots.  Everyone moved out of his way when he would come into the arena.  Even his opponents would look small and afraid of him. He normally won these well choreographed matches.  If you lived, you would cheer him, or if not normally you would boo him.

John on the island of Patmos gets to see face to face with a true Hero.  One who is not only larger than life but the very creator and sustainer of life, the resurrected Jesus Christ.  The One who won salvation and eternal life for us all.  He overcame every opponent against us, even death itself for His glory.

As much as He deserves to be feared and respected, He deserves our devotion and love.

There are so many things that I love about God, starting with my relationship with Him as my heavenly Father and Savior, His attributes of grace and mercy towards me, His protection and provision over me.  But I love the way John describes Him, dressed with a royal golden sash around His chest, His physical appearance beyond what I can even imagine.

Then God does and says something none of the 'larger than life wrestlers' ever did,  He stretches out His right hand and touches John (who is laying face down on the ground overcome at the sight of Him) and says "Do not be afraid."

You see God is not against us, but He is for us and loves us.  He is wanting to talk with us and have communion with us.  He overcame the enemy that separated us from Him which was sin and now we have free access to Him.

Who is your "hero"?
How does he/she measure up to Christ?
Do you give Him the proper respect and love that God deserves?

Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing.  Listen to my cry for help; my King and my God, for to you I pray.  In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.  You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell.   The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.  You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.  But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple.  Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies - make straight your way before me.  Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction.  Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit.  Declare them guilty, O God!  Let their intrigues be their downfall.  Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you.  But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.  For surely  O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them  with your favor as with a shield.
NIV

PRAYER

To the Lord God, King of heaven and earth will I pray.
Before my day begins you are already there waiting and listening to my requests.
Keep me from straying from your ways, I want to live by your rules, your grace and mercy.
Lead me in the ways that are right.  I choose freely to follow you.

Because of you Jesus I can be glad and sing happy songs.
In fact I can sing songs of joy! I can live in victory!
You tell me you are protecting me and blessing me, I trust you Lord.
Thank you for surrounding me and giving me your approval.
Amen