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With world events creeping closer and closer to the precipice of international mayhem, it would be nice to know that a superhero was ready to save the day. Not only do the starving in Africa need relief, but the angst and anxiety of wondering where the terrorists will next vent their rage on America and the West is exhausting. The growing nuclear club increases exponentially the chance of nuclear war and nuclear terrorism.
Many times in history humanity has sought for a "superman" to come and save the day, but he's never been more needed than today.
Hero emerges from the Depression
In the late 1930s and early 1940s a caped man of steel from the planet Krypton (a planet said to be full of light and brightness), was sent to challenge evil. The "Man of Steel" was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster when both were still in high school.
Siegel and Shuster were teenagers at a time called the Great Depression, when more than a quarter of a million U.S. teenagers lived on the road, hoping to find work to send money back home or simply because they felt they'd become a financial burden on their families (www.redboots.net).
The cover of the original Superman comic written by Siegel and Shuster in 1938 describes this imaginary superhero as able to "leap over skyscrapers, run faster than an express train, spring distances and heights, lifting and smashing tremendous weights; possessing an impenetrable skin."
These are the amazing attributes that Superman, champion of the helpless and oppressed, uses as he battles the forces of evil and injustice. Superman would be fitted with new capes and repackaged right up until the 21st century, his challenges growing with each new generation of villains.
This fantasy world is a faint echo of the hope for a real superhero who can save the world. This hope has been expressed in many ways through history.
World powers
Powerful people over the centuries have felt that they alone could bring world order by spreading their brand of government. World dominion and political control have been the dream of warrior emperors from Nimrod, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great and the emperors of Rome, down to the 20th century with Adolf Hitler and Vladimir Lenin.
One thing seems certain: Empires fall almost as quickly as they rise and never seem to achieve the peace and prosperity they promise. Instead of being champions of the helpless and oppressed, the record shows that the murder, misery and destruction that occur in the establishment of a new power has generally allowed only a limited few to live luxuriously off the backs of the many.
Besides those who have wielded military and governmental power, there have also been religious leaders who have stirred hopes in the masses.
Now rumblings in the Middle East suggest growing belief that an Islamic prophet will be returning. "According to Shi'ite Muslim teaching, Abul-Qassem Mohammad, the 12th leader whom Shi'ites consider descended from the Prophet Mohammed, disappeared in 941 but will return at the end of time to lead an era of Islamic justice" (http://www.iranian.ws/iran_news/publish/article_10945.shtml).
A real Messiah
The truth of the matter is that there is a real Messiah who was prophesied centuries ago to return to the earth and save humanity from itself (Matthew 24:22). This is necessary because mankind doesn't know how to achieve peace. Speaking of human efforts to make peace, the Scriptures say, "Destruction and misery are in their ways; and the way of peace they have not known" (Romans 3:16-17, emphasis added).
The comic book character Superman was invested with an innate sense of justice and fairness and could uncover the plots of evil men with his X-ray vision.
In reality, the hearts of all people need to be changed to desire to seek peace. "Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it" (1 Peter 3:11). This quest is not easy in a world of tension and conflict.
The return of the real Messiah, Jesus Christ, to the earth will end all war and teach mankind the way of peace. While on earth, Christ taught His disciples to pray for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).
Sadly, His second coming will be met with huge armies and end with the destruction of man's fighting machines and those who direct them. "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war . . . And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse" (Revelation 19:11,19). Thankfully the misguided attacks of men will soon end and true peace will come.
When this new world order is established in Jerusalem, the city of peace (which isn't peaceful now), the Son of God will bear the government on His shoulder. Notice what the Scriptures say about this amazing time that we eagerly await: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this" (Isaiah 9:6-7).
But knowing what the Bible says about this resolution of man's conflicts doesn't mean that this time prior to His return will be easy. There will be many challenges leading up to the time when there will finally be peace on earth. Christ was asked by His disciples when these things would be. His response—a prophetic discourse known today as the Olivet Prophecy, after the location where He spoke it—is still the main guidepost of end-time events.
You can read about this in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. Matthew 24:24 says, "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." Will these imposters fool you?
Man has dreamt about a world of order, with peace and prosperity for all. History shows that that goal has yet to be realized. Due to man's determination to leave God out of the picture or to fall for a false god, there is little hope for the planet except for the great Creator God—who made man in His image—to rescue mankind from himself.
Are you interested in peace? Do you fantasize about a Superman who will use his forces for the good of mankind, thwarting evil? Perhaps you can make a difference now by learning the way to real peace, which is imparted in our hearts and minds by the aid of God's Holy Spirit. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).
Start now to find the way to true peace by transforming your life. For help on how to do this, request our free booklet . It's available to be read, downloaded or ordered at www.gnmagazine.org/booklets.
To be sure, we live in exciting and terrifying times, where wars and threats of war abound. What seems difficult is having and maintaining peace in our own lives. When you seek this and begin to live by God's laws, developing a deeper relationship with God, "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
Let's do our part to be a "superman" who is a champion of the helpless and oppressed—as we battle the forces of evil and injustice while waiting on the real hero of mankind, Jesus Christ. VT
Larry Greider is chairman of the UCG Youth Education Team and coordinator of the United Youth Camps. He also serves as a United Church of God pastor in Los Angeles, California.
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