Thor – The Christian Superhero?
My 7-year old Grandson loves superheroes. He has gotten me to watch countless movies, cartoons, and even Lego-versioned shows of these larger than life men and women who save the world with their super human attributes. While there is a part of me that balks at this whole concept – for there is only ONE Savior of the world; there is another part that is willing to concede to this childish fantasy. After all, these shows do teach that good always triumphs over evil and that we should put the welfare of others above our own. My Grandson’s favorite superhero is the Incredible Hulk, and I confess that I, too, have a favorite – Thor. Thor is not just my favorite because he is so good looking (although that doesn’t hurt!). Thor may be the answer to reconciling the dilemma I find myself in – allowing children (and adults) to enjoy super hero fantasies without compromising the Gospel!
Every superhero has a super strength. In almost every instance, this special power is from themselves. Thor, however, is different. There is nothing special about him per se. It is all in his hammer. Thor’s hammer is where his incredible strength comes from. It is his hammer that fights his battles for him, destroys his foes, allows him to fly, and even always returns to him. Without his hammer, Thor is just a ruler from another planet. With his hammer, he becomes an unbeatable force!
Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in danger.” Nehemiah 8:10b –says “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Psalm 28:7-8 –says “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” Isaiah 12:2 says “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 says “This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
And, finally, Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” While this verse is frequently quoted out of context, it does have a powerful message for us. If you read the rest of the passage in Philippians, Paul is telling the Philippians that he has learned to be content in all circumstances – whether he is in need or he has plenty. It is Christ who gives him the strength to endure any, and all, circumstances of his life. Paul is giving the credit for his ability to persevere to God.
There are so many other verses that reiterate that our strength is not from ourselves, but from God. The point is that while Thor understands he can do nothing without his hammer, we need to understand we can do nothing without God. We are not the warriors, as a popular song contends – God is!!
A final note about Thor’s hammer. He is the only one who is able to pick it up and use its power. Even the Incredible Hulk isn’t able to lift it! That is because the hammer belongs to Thor – it’s power only works for him. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” The strength that comes from God only comes to those who are His. Unbelievers have no access to it.
So, Christian, pick up your hammer, and use the strength God has provided to serve Him and further His Kingdom!
