Sermon Tone Analysis

Humanity Longs for a Superhero to Protect Them

Without fail, every Christmas some type of "Superhero" figure tops the list of most wanted toys--G.I.

Joes, Avengers or Star Wars: Rogue One characters.

Of course we grown ups love our superheros as well.

Not only do we justify purchasing toys because they are "collectibles" but we put out big bucks going to superhero movies.

The Hebrew behind today's name for Immanuel--Mighty God--is "ʾēl gib·bôr".

I will get to "el" in a moment, but first I want to focus on this word "gib·bôr".

During much of the biblical period Israel was in what historians have called the "heroic age".

This is the age that Homer wrote about.

Warfare was less organized and professional, consequently, one or two mighty men could literally turn the tide of battle.

The names of the warriors of this time period have been immortalized into humanity's collective memory: Gilgamesh, Achilles, Hector, Samson and Jonathan Son of Saul to name a few.

Towering above them all is king David of Israel.

Near the end of the book of 2 Samuel we have a summary of the exploits of David's mighty men.

I don't have time to read it all, but let me read just a few verses to give you a taste of their heroics:

This give you an idea of what a "gib·bôr" is.

When they feel threatened people still long for a "gib·bôr".

At OSU this past week it was not the leaders of "Black Lives Matter" protesters that students and faculty called, but the police.

Thank God for the police officer who responded and killed the Islamic terrorist student.

This police officer is being hailed as a hero or a "gib·bôr".

Last week we looked a humanity's desire of a wise ruler, but if push comes to shove, they will chose a leader who is able to protect them every time.

Especially, when they feel threatened.

Just listen to what Israel said when they rejected the wise and godly leadership of Samuel.

God of course was to be Israel's "ʾēl gib·bôr".

The word "el" is the most common Hebrew word behind the word "God" in our English bibles, but an "el" does not refer only to God.

It is a word that can refer to any powerful and exalted being.

Sometimes it refers to angels (especially the highest angels who are called "sons of God"), sometimes it refers to the fallen angels whom the nations worshiped as "gods" and sometimes it is used for the kings and queens of this earth.

So the most important question before every person, every nation and every generation is, "Who is your ʾēl gib·bôr?" Listen to what God says to Samuel.

As punishment God granted Israel's request and gave them Saul as their king.

Saul was typical of the rulers of this world.

At first he did a good job and defended the people against their enemies, but as time went on, Saul's might and power went to his head and he became oppressive and abusive of his power.

In the end he became Israel's worse enemy!

God however, was merciful on Israel, and he raised up a king after his own heart--David--who was to serve at the type of Christ pointing to Israel's and the world true "ʾēl gib·bôr".

David is the Superhero of the O.T.

King David is the Superhero of the Old Testament

The most famous and iconic sculpture in the world is without question Michelangelo's David.

Towering to the height of 17 feet, this marble statue masterfully captures the larger than life person of king David.

Throughout the pages of the Old Testament, David is the king by which all others are judged.

The Messianic hope of the Jewish people has always been that a second--greater--King David would some day come.

Of the coming Immanuel, Isaiah writes:

Later in Isaiah 11, we find this prophecy:

As great as King David was, Jesus--Our Immanuel--is the Superhero we are all longing for.

Jesus, Our Immanuel, is the Superhero We Long For

In popular culture, Jesus is seen as anything but a warrior, superhero.

Since the romantic period of the 19th century, most depictions of Jesus have been less than masculine.

As a young boy growing up, the picture of Jesus, was no Marlboro Man.

Although we sang, "Be Like Jesus," the effeminate Jesus depicted on the walls of my Sunday School was most definitely NOT the type of man I would want to grow up like!

Thankfully the biblical picture of Jesus is anything but a sissy!

Jesus is a man's man.

He is the Divine Warrior King who protects His people and will come back someday to bring vengeance upon his and his people's enemies.

In light of the unprecedented number of Christians being killed the world over, some of you might question whether or not Jesus is doing a good job as our protector and preserver.

The thing we must remember is that the real battle is being fought in the Unseen Realm.

In 2 Kings 6, we have an interesting story that pulls the curtain back and gives us a glimpse into the Unseen Realm.

The king of Syria has inquired as to why he keeps being defeated by the king of Israel.

He is informed that Elisha the prophet reveals all his battle plans to the king of Israel.

Learning that Elisha is in Dothan, the king of Syria sends a mighty army to capture Elisha.

Here is what happened:

The apostle Paul reminds us of this reality when he writes:

In the story of our lives, this life is but the prelude, and a very short one at that!

If you entrust your life to Jesus' protection, he will keep you safe and sound and bring you to glory!

Earlier I said, "the most important question before every person, every nation and every generation is, 'Who is your ʾēl gib·bôr?'" Have you given yourself over to the protection of Jesus like a sheep gives himself over to his shepherd for protection or are you looking to someone or something else to be your superhero?

The Devil is a raging lion that will devour your soul for all eternity.

All the things you fear in this life are nothing compared to this unseen danger.

You are absolutely powerless before his malice and hate.

You are in desperate need for a mighty warrior to come and defend you.

So I ask you again, "Is Jesus your ʾēl gib·bôr?"