More Than Stone

Today I came across an internet site celebrating warrior women. It is dedicated to “TV heroines who could really kick ass.” Indeed, this is the theme of the action/adventure genre of film and television. Favorite heroes and heroines accomplish the absurd and performing ridiculously impossible stunts against all odds. Perhaps this taps into our love for fantasy and the desire to escape reality. My favorite productions have this very element of the impossible and improbable—Shawshank Redemption, Gladiator, Braveheart, 24, on and on. Folks such as Mel Gibson, Tom Cruise, Arnold Swarzchenegger, Russel Crowe, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Garner (Alias), Lucy Lu, Angelina Jolie, Farrah Fawcett . . . and countless others have gotten wealthy winning against seemingly undefeatable evil.

I am indebted to the world of Greek mythology for its indirect influence on my conversion to Christianity. It was either in late elementary school or early junior high that I fell in love with the stories of Poseidon, Zeus, Hercules, Achilles, and Helen of Troy among others. Though ancient they resemble the current mythological gods and heroes of our own day with their exercise of their remarkable powers against incredible obstacles. Of course, let us not forget the winners in fantasyland that kids love; we celebrate with Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Mary Poppins, etc. Should we not throw in the marvel comic gang also? Gotta love me some Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman . . .

As G.K. Chesterton says, “we all like astonishing tales because they touch the nerve of the ancient instinct of astonishment.” I love to be astonished. Yet, to take it one step further, I want to be astonishing! I want to do the impossible and overcome the odds. As a Christian I have my shot.

Christianity is built on the absurd. A living God who “invades” earth in human form, does some wild miracles, teaches outlandish kingdom stuff, defeats demons, and overcomes death ranks up their with the greatest mythology and most popular superheroes. Though you may choose to disagree, it also happens to be true myth. The hero lives on and all who follow Him are called to join in the impossible.

Jesus commands all the world to become His disciples and to observe all that He has commanded. He isn’t concerned about people knowing and quoting His ways and instructions. He doesn’t need or want parrots. He commands observance; my “doing” is His primary concern.

As His disciple I am commanded to do my part to make this happen in all nations. We call this the Great Commission. How crazy is that? I mean, even Jesus Himself said that it was darn near impossible for people to get into the kingdom of heaven. Narrow is the way; many are called, few are chosen; it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Dang! But then we read the magic that we all have loved since we were children: “All things are possible with God.”
Because of belief in the impossible Christians like myself have hope of making a difference in this good world through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In the face of overwhelming injustice we fight for making things right for people. In the midst of a decaying creation we seek to bring about the redemption of what is rotting. Among walking dead people we seek to give true birth. To those who are discouraged, disgruntled, and disappointed we seek to give living and enduring hope—all the while struggling to experience the same for ourselves.

It takes a hero to win against such odds. And though part of me wants to be that hero (like Larry Boy in Veggie Tales) the only true Victor in all that is accomplished in the name of Christianity is Jesus Himself. Without Him I do nothing. In my own strength I fail. When I seek to become one of the mythological or fantasy heroes that I have adored I depart from Christianity. Nevertheless, I am fulfilled when God decides to act out miracles and bring freedom and joy to creatures through me. It is what I was made for so that in all things he might receive the glory. That is why I have given my life to a life of mission for His name. As Isaiah 26:8 says concerning the relation between our walk and our God, “Your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.” Nothing beats living in the world of a mythology, which is true. I beg you to join me. Let’s run together until all things are made new.