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The enormous popularity of the Marvel film franchise suggests that Americans today are hungry for heroes. Captain America, Captain Marvel, Iron Man — these comic book characters and more have inspired countless fans who eagerly watch every new movie or TV series that comes along.
I myself am a fan of superhero movies in general. In the midst of this tendency, there is cause to be both encouraged and perhaps a little discouraged as well. Here is what I mean.
On the bright side, the superhero boom shows that people still want someone to admire, encourage, fight the bad guys in the epic battle between good and evil. Plus, many of these movie characters embody some of the best qualities a person could wish for – truthfulness, protection of the weak, even patriotism.
On the other hand, superheroes can harm real life heroes. If young people admire only fictional heroes and forget about everyday heroes, something is missing.
After reading a biography of Theodore Roosevelt, who courageously served in the military and also invigorated America at a key point in history, I can understand why previous generations considered him a hero and put his face on Mount Rushmore.
These days, we seem inundated with superheroes but lacking real heroes. We need heroes. Real heroes can come in the form of soldiers, teachers, nurses, mother or father. This could be a grandparent, a writer, or a first responder.
We don’t need people with cloaks, but we desperately need heroes today. For Christians, we read about the heroes of faith in Hebrews chapter 11 of the Bible. Some of the names you would expect to see: Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and David. Other names on the list are more obscure, but no less inspiring: Gideon, Rahab, and Samuel.
The Bible supports these exceptional people because of their faith. Later in Hebrews, the author talks about Christians who find examples to follow. “Remember your leaders, those who have spoken the word of God to you. Consider the result of their way of life and imitate their faith(Hebrews 13: 7).
Notice these words. “Consider”: reflect, observe or meditate. Then, “imitate”, do like them, walk in their path.
None of us will run faster than a speeding ball. No one will be able to put on a cape and fly like a superman. And honestly, other than the work of the Holy Spirit, none of us can have a faith like the ones the Bible mentions.
But by the grace of God, we can find heroes of faith walking the earth today. And we can rediscover and be inspired by others, from Bible times to today, and emulate them.
Yes, we need a hero. And we have to call on God to raise up these men and women in our generation.
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