by Panom Top
Marvel comic movies have caught the attention of the public since they started coming out in 2008. They fascinate people, especially among youth. These movies portray fictional characters who do courageous acts that earn them the title of “hero.” They teach us many important lessons about life including the importance of self-sacrifice, teamwork, courage, and taking one’s responsibility seriously.
What is a hero after all? What makes someone a hero? Would you consider yourself a hero? And how can you become a hero?
A hero is defined as, “a real person or fictional character, who in the face of danger, fight against adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage or strength”, or “someone who gives of himself/herself for the greater good of others.”
The Bible is full of individuals we consider heroes. Who comes to your mind when you think of your biblical heroes? Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Deborah, Ruth, David, Peter, Paul? The list of people that would fit the category of hero or heroine is endless. These individuals probably did not see themselves that way. But what made them heroic? The answer is simple: They took their responsibility seriously.
In this lesson, we will look at two examples of one of the greatest people of the Bible. A person who was called “a man after God’s own heart”. Our hero is none other than King David. He was the youngest in his family. Even when he was only a youth, he learnt to take his responsibilities seriously. He was a keeper of his father’s sheep. He tended them day and night to ensure they were safe. When faced with danger from a lion or bear that tried to eat his father’s lambs, David did not abandon his responsibility by running away. He did not allow his fears to rule over him. Instead, he was courageous and fought the wild animals and delivered the lamb from the animal’s mouth.
Another famous heroic action of David was his fight with the Philistine giant, Goliath. You will find the account in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath challenged the Israelites to give him one man who would fight him in one-on-one combat. He did this not only to defy Israel, but also their God. When the Israelites heard of his threat, they were afraid. No one wanted to take the responsibility to fight this man. Goliath continued his mockery and cursing of the Israelites and God for forty long days. One day, young David was sent to bring food for his brothers who were in the army and David happened to hear Goliath’s insults against the Israelite armies. Whilst everyone else fled for their lives, David was moved with righteous anger and was determined to fight Goliath. David had proven himself in the past as a responsible person by taking care of his father’s sheep. He was about to prove himself again!
Christ said in Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” The question for David was, “Am I willing to take responsibility in this situation?” David did and became the champion of Israel. He killed Goliath and Israel was victorious against the Philistines. David courageously took responsibility when everyone else was afraid to do so.
However, a true hero does not only take responsible for his good actions. He holds himself responsible for his bad deeds. A true hero does not make excuses or blame others for his mistakes. David was not superhuman. He made mistakes like the rest of us.
When David became King over Israel, he committed a terrible sin. The story of his sin is told in 2 Samuel 11 & 12. One evening, David arose from his bed to take a walk around his palace. Whilst walking, David saw a beautiful woman. Instead of overcoming his lust and taking responsibility to not covet after another man’s wife, David was overcome by his feelings. He broke the seventh commandment by committing adultery with her. David’s irresponsible action led him to do worse actions. He tried to cover up his sin and murdered the woman’s husband.
Meanwhile, God sent a prophet to tell David about his sins. What was David’s reaction? Did he make excuses? No, David owned up to his actions and accepted responsibility. David chose not to be a hypocrite but took responsibility and confessed his sins. In 2 Samuel 12:13: “So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” You can find the detailed prayer of David and his repentance in Psalm 51. A real hero will not only stand up against evil actions of others, but also of his own. David did and remained a true hero.
Marvel movies can teach us vital lessons about life, but the Bible is a gem of a book when it comes to heroic actions. As a young person in God’s Church, you can learn the secret to true heroism through the pages of your Bible. Studying God’s word will help you become a responsible person – a true hero indeed. It will also help you avoid mistakes others have made, so you don’t repeat them. Ultimately, if you take your responsibilities and calling seriously, you will be a true hero who will rule with Jesus Christ in His coming Kingdom. Jesus said, “To him who overcomes [takes responsibility] I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21).
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