Devotionals
Not too long ago I ran across a picture of Batman in all his flair on the front of a local magazine cover. Strong and effective, demanding respect in his caped guise, piercing eyes projected from the face of a muscular physique. What is it that we admire about the Batman character that a Christian could learn from?
Batman is more than just his physique, he sets a pattern for the emulation of Jesus. For starters, Batman means business, and though perceived eccentric to the lay observer, he walks in purpose and gets the job done. From his gothic setting and persona, to his low, steady voice that demands a listening, he is a force to be reckoned with. But there is something else about Batman. Under that first impression his purpose and methods are true. He is not wantonly killing, but rather sparing life, even those of his enemies when he can. He is strong and competent, not boastful and arrogant. More importantly he is intimately and readily in tune with his environment, he blends in as one who truly understands and yet remains his own. He can talk the talk and walk the walk amongst the baddest of the bad, all while maintaining his integrity and effectiveness. In fact it is because of his familiarity with the dark side of Gotham City that makes him so effective. This makes people want to "be like Batman".
People are looking for solutions that effectively impact the world and individuals around them, and are not looking so much for a group to separate themselves with. "Is this person following the very message he is espousing, and is it effective in my milieu? Is it attractive to me and does it answer my deepest longings?" These are always a person's number one questions.
I think a big reason the gospel is rejected is because it seems that to follow it seems "out of touch" with the reality around the listener/observer. Again, Batman can put his convictions into a message that is intimately what his milieu wants and more importantly: needs. His message and actions bring the freedom Gotham City is looking for. The message that brings freedom is always the one that people intuitively know they've been looking for their entire life. He speaks the vernacular of the people; if they could peg him down they'd make him king.
Importantly, Batman isn't out solely to conform to the rules of the moral police of Gotham City. He knows what is right from an internal conviction, and arrives at it via the HEART of the law. He respects and hands over criminals to the ruling authorities of Gotham City, but knows that His freedom, humanity's freedom, often requires an uncouth flexibility beyond the "rules of the land" to get the job done right.
Finally, Batman is not a "super" superhero. While most of our superheroes have superpowers (as Superman), Batman does not. He willingly operates within purely human boundaries, utilizing his gifts, wisdom, and contraptions. Batman is truly courageous because he is fully human, not because he is superhuman. In this, Batman sets a pattern for our own emulation of Jesus. As Christians, we know that the larger purpose behind the city, behind the law, behind the bestowment of our gifting, is the will of God. While Jesus was capable of being superhuman, he chose to be fully human. He asks each of us to do the same, trusting Him to become more like Batman.
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