Resolute Man of Steel

The movie Man of Steel was released to Blu-Ray recently and I was able to watch it today.  I must admit, that movie is not my favorite of all the Superman movies, but still compelling, namely due to the incredible scoring of the movie.

I would like to focus on the character of Superman.  He had some identity issues as a young person, but eventually learned to accept his role as a beacon of hope for the people of earth.  The word I would use to describe him would be resolute.  Let's take a minute and review the definition of resolute: admirably purposeful, determined and unwavering.  This was a man who knew what he needed to do to save the humans, and did it without fail.  Do you know anyone like this?

Jesus Christ was this resolute man.  He knew the fate he had before him, and resolved himself to fulfill that purpose.  We read in the gospels that he did not want to proceed with what he knew was to come.  Just read what Luke's recollection of Jesus's prayer:

'"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me.  Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."  Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him.  He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.' ~Luke 22:42-44 (NLT)

Jesus knew just how much suffering and agony he was about to go through.  I believe the anticipation of pain is often just as bad or worse than the pain itself.  Think about the horror our children have when they have to go for their vaccination shots.  Jesus knew the tremendous pain, suffering and humiliation he was about to go through.  He knew he would die slowly and painfully.  He was in agony as he pleaded with God.  

And, yet, he resolutely went to the cross and died for us.

As Christians, we need to remember the level of resolution that Christ had.  As we go out into our daily world, we need to keep that single purpose the God had for us.  

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith.  Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are." ~1Peter 5:8-9 (NLT)