During many wars, including world wars, there are clever, secret codes used to conceal a powerful message intended for an ally. Espionage and undercover work quite literally help nations advance and win wars. The powerful message is coded for transmission. Eventually, it’s decoded – translated – into it’s true meaning. Essentially, this is the method used to deceive those who shouldn’t receive the information, as well as make it plain and simple for the receiver once it’s decoded.
You go to the mail box and pull out a crisp white envelope with an official seal. The exquisite handwriting specifies your name and address. Rather than ripping it open – like junk mail – you pull out your letter opener to surgically slide along the top envelope crease. From the open slot, you gingerly slip out a beautiful, heavy-weight card that says, “You Are Invited.” In surprise and wonder, you flip open the card to see – it’s the very event you’ve always wanted to attend! Up till now, you’ve never dreamed you’d have the opportunity.
As we explore “Little gods,” I’m thinking about a superhero movie – The Avengers. There’s an exchange between the Black Widow and Captain America. Oddly, they are discussing whether to go after Thor and Loki. If you’re familiar with the Marvel superhero movies, you’ll remember the conversation –
Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow):I’d sit this one out, Cap!
Steve Rogers (Captain America):I don’t see how I can!
Natasha Romanoff:These guys come from legend. They’re basically gods.
Steve Rogers: There’s only one God, Ma’am, and I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that!
You know, it’s one thing to talk about make-belief superheroes as “gods.” But to talk about people like you and me being gods? Realistically, that’s a stretch! Interestingly, Scripture does. Consequently, what practical application does “little gods” have for you?
As we discuss the mark of a Christian in this content, we need to look at a modern, booming industry – marketing. Have you considered specific “marks” of your business, career, organization, and even your lifestyle? Think with me about some examples of “marks” – a logo, a saying or jingle, even a color.
For example, the color brown is trademarked by UPS. Did you know the background color orange is trademarked by Hershey’s for their Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups? What about a red circle with a red dot inside it – like a target? That’s right, the mark – the logo – of Target stores. Or consider the Olympic logo: 5 intersecting colored rings – blue, black, red, yellow, green. Then there’s that one-liner from the 1980’s commercial – “Where’s the beef?!” So, what do you think of? Wendy’s restaurants, right? What about the cute jingle – “I wish I were an Oscar Mayer wiener!” Guess what that mark was for? Yup! Oscar Mayer hot dogs!
Considering all these examples of marks, what’s the mark of a Christian?
Remember Downton Abbey – the television series and movies? If you watched this excellent period drama, I’m sure you’ll remember frequent times the Dowager Countess and Cousin Isobel are completely indignant toward one another. Their continual sparring is a unique dimension of their very unusual friendship. So, what exactly is “indignant?” Let’s look at what it means and who uses it.
Remember when the pandemic was in full swing? Everybody was buying masks and medical gloves. Well, I found some medical gloves for a great price. So I ordered. When they came, I checked the box front. Sure enough – one size fits all.Not true!Those gloves were big enough to fit a professional basketball player who can “palm” the ball! So, I was stuck with these huge gloves. Incidentally, there was so much room in each glove finger, I could have packed snacks in there. So much for one size for everybody!
You know the story from Lord of the Rings. Beautiful Arwen loves Aragorn. However, Aragorn left to protect Frodo on his quest. Incidentally, he’ll end up fighting a war. Unfortunately, He may never return. As a result, Arwen is overcome. And she lingers in middle earth rather than join her kin to travel to their forever home. Having remained, she has a conversation with her elf-father. Interestingly, Arwen clings to hope. And she wants to know how to live in hope.
Elrond: “He is not coming back. Why do you linger when there is no hope?”
Arwen: “There is still hope.”
Elrond: “If Aragorn survives this war, You will still be parted.”
Sadly, Arwen’s dad doesn’t sound very hopeful, does he?
If ever there was an Old Testament story that beautifully exemplifies the Spirit of Jesus, this is it! Not only does it show a man’s healthy choices and conduct. It also portrays the very spirit of Jesus Christ in a person who lived long before Jesus came to earth as the God-man. And further, this story is a strong statement – you and I can ask for a double portion of the nature and character of Christ if we fully surrender to God.
You’ve heard of the song “It Had To Be You,” haven’t you? It’s a popular song composed by Isham Jones, lyrics by Gus Kahn, published on May 9, 1924. So, it’s an “oldie-but-goodie.” It’s been covered by many people, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble with Barbra Streisand. Well, I’d like to cover “It Had To Be You” in today’s content.
Pause with me and ponder stories of people who have overcome circumstances. History is filled with these heroes.
A man in prison named Dietrich overcomes risky circumstances as he does what he believes pleases God. Mr. Bonhoeffer overcomes by penning invaluable resources. One of his best known is The Cost Of Discipleship. Also Letters and Papers From Prison. Fascinating works of character and insight. Finally, he overcomes the circumstance of being hanged and dies with dignity.
A woman overcomes her disappointment over a life she’d rather have had. She addresses continually – difficult circumstances for decades as she wields her authority to bring about strategic solutions and peace. Her incredible character makes Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth one of the world’s greatest leaders.
An actor overcomes the odds – and wins to preside over a country, and then over a devastating war of aggression. With circumstances beyond imagining, in the face of grave danger, President Zelensky applies creative strategy and fresh thinking to preserve his country’s freedom. Volodymyr has won respect of world leaders and citizens everywhere.
Medical students overcome the strain and sleeplessness of grueling requirements – only to graduate to residency with even more pressures – unknown to the patients they care for. With strategies and discipline, these trainees becomes physicians – to train others and help the sick, suffering, and dying.
A mother overcomes circumstances of losing her child to leukemia.
Children overcome circumstances of poverty and lack of opportunities. Some become leaders in government and business.
After a spouse dies – or perhaps walks away, the remaining partner overcomes circumstances to support and raise the family, launch children into a level of success, and find a new purpose.
