Man of Steel vs. Man of the Cross

 
Lots of buzz
circulating about the newest Superman movie, Man of Steel. I entered the theater with my family on Father’s Day.
Excitement bubbling. Superman is my favorite hero. From Christopher Reeve to
Brandon Routh. I’ve enjoyed them all.
 
As I took my seat and
the music began to play, I felt a keen sense that God was near. I know He’s always
near, but it was almost tangible. You ever experience His nearness like that?
 
I cried through the entire movie. I
swear I did.
Not because
it was a fabulous romance. Not because it was an emotional watch, but I
recognized many of Jesus’ attributes during the movie and it moved me. Superman
was modeled after Jesus. But like every good fictional character, he needs
flaws. 
 
Unlike Jesus Christ.
 
After I left the
movie, I couldn’t get a particular scene from my head. (NO spoiler alert, keep
reading)
A scene that jerked and awakened my insides, and seared into my brain.
 
Yesterday, during my
morning time, I was reading a story about a farmer who tried to protect his
wheat field from a fire. When he did a final check, he discovered a dead hen.
Burned to a crisp. He kicked it over and out from under her wings, several baby
chicks scattered, untouched. The story was in relation to the verse about Jesus
wanting to cover the people like a hen covers her chicks with her wings.
 
The scene from Man of Steel replayed in my head as I
thought about the fire
 

ravaging the hen.

 
Superman was coming
to Lois Lane’s rescue (as always) during a huge explosion. He caught her
mid-air and drew her to his chest, wrapping powerful arms around her as fire
blazed through the air.
 
Lois tucked her head
down and as new intense flames burst, Superman did a sudden turn, shielding her
from the heat. His back took the brunt, and his red cape blew gloriously around
him, encircling her, and he blew through intense fire to freedom.
 
Lois unscathed.
 
And that’s when Jesus
whispered to my heart Isaiah 43:2-3: “…When you walk through the fire, you
shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your
God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;…”
 
 
Superman didn’t take Lois from the
flame. He took her through it.
 
Isaiah 61:10 says, “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered
me with the robe of righteousness…”
 
Just like Superman’s crimson cape extended
from himself and covered Lois, saving her, so does the blood of Christ envelope
us, inking out our sin and robing us in right standing with God.
 
No matter what fiery
circumstance you find yourself in, God will bring you 
through it. Unscathed.
Stronger.
 
Hang on, draw near.
Revel in His glorious comfort and protection. And know that your Savior has no
weakness. No flaws. He is all-powerful. All holy. 
 
Almighty. All splendorous.
 
All Able.
 

 

 
 

 

Have you seen Man of Steel? If you’re going through fire, how can I pray for you?
If you don’t want to leave a comment, send me an email. Click on the Connect
page for my email address.

12 thoughts on “Man of Steel vs. Man of the Cross

  1. Love it when God hijacks your movie and your blogpost!! Beautiful, Jess.

     
     
  2. I love this! Really, really, really love it.

     
     
  3. I haven't seen Man of Steel yet, but I want to!

    This was such a stunner of a post, Jess. You always wring my heart. Seriously going to think about this one all day.

    (((hugs)))

     
     
  4. Your words moved me to tears, my Friend. Wow, have I told you lately that your love for Jesus just RADIATES? You see Him everywhere and in everything. I'll be seeing Superman this weekend. And with your post, I'll walk in with an expectation of something greater than Hollywood could ever produce. Hugs!

     
     
  5. Wow, wow, wow!!!! Love the analogy here. Now I need to see the movie.

     
     
  6. I'm seeing this movie next week on Monday…I can't wait! And your post made me even more excited to see it. 🙂

     
     
  7. We saw the movie on Saturday. It was a packed house, and being Kansans the whole theater erupted in applause.

    Your post touched me, twice this week I've come across that passage in Isaiah. Its a beautiful reminder of God's love.

    Thank you!

     
     
  8. So, so timely, Jess, as we are 8 days out from the Black Forest Fire here in CO — and a year out from the Waldo Canyon Fire. I confess, during those times, all I can do is lean into what I know — who I know God to be — while leaning into the prayers of others.
    I hadn't planned on seeing Superman … but after reading this post, it's on my must-see list.
    Love your heart, my friend.

     
     
  9. I haven't seen it yet, but I'd like to. Great comparison!

     
     
  10. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels God speaking through silly things like movies! I haven't seen this one, but I've heard it is great!

    Beautiful post, and that cape imagery is sticking in my mind!

     
     
  11. Fascinating take on this movie! I've heard it had God/Jesus parallels, and wasn't sure what to think of that. I've heard both good and bad reviews of the movie. I love your observation of Superman taking Lois THROUGH the fire rather than taking her out of it. That is often so true in our lives with God. 🙂

     
     
  12. Wow, fantastic analogy! I really want to see that movie too!

     
     

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