Superhero: Righteous League

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This is Part 11 of my Superhero series. In the introduction of this series, I provided the argument that heroes are real and then I distinguished between heroes and superheroes. I also provided a list of what defines a superhero. In Part 1, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute standard of Good and realize that evil is a mere privation of what is good. In Part 2, we learned that superheroes recognize the absolute moral standard and realize that what is wrong can only be known by the standard of what is right. In Part 3, I defined and expounded upon love because all superheroes are full of love and are compelled to act out from love. In Part 4, I explained that superheroes desire to save people from all forms of danger and/or death and this desire comes from love. In Part 5, we learned that superheroes are solution seekers. In Part 6, we saw that solution seekers are willing to sacrifice if necessary. In Part 7, we saw that sacrificial love steps forward and offers service. In Part 8, we saw that superheroes go above and beyond the call of duty. In Part 9, we saw that superheroes never give up! In Part 10, we saw that superheroes don’t need recognition – they are motivated only by love!

In this message (Part 11), we will see that relationship matters and teamwork works!

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When was the last time you felt a desire to be loved? We all possess an innate desire to be loved. You know this to be true from your own personal experiences, but it is also evident by humankind’s creations and entertainment choices. From books, to music, to movies, love is prominent and even dominant. Even in the hustle and bustle of New York, where busy businessmen buzz by the bystanders to get to the office buildings, love is showcased and seemingly celebrated in the form of a big 13-ft. high sculpture in Manhattan:

Granted, music, books, and movies often confuse love for lust; however, even when people confuse love for lust, love is still the ubiquitous message intended to connect with the audience. But because people often confuse love for lust, it is imperative that we know and understand the definition of love. If you need a reminder as to what defines love, refer back to chapter 3 in this Superhero series: “What Is Love?“

Humans possess an innate desire to be loved because we were all created by Love; GOD is love (1John 4:8,16). GOD – who is Love – created us out from love and for the purpose to love. But because GOD gave us the great gift of free will, relationship matters. In fact, GOD’s Word reveals to us that relationship is more important than religion (Isaiah 1:10-17; 58:6-12; Hosea 6:6; Zechariah 7:4-6; Micah 6:6-8). True religion is relationship with GOD and doing GOD’s will (Matthew 7:21; 12:50; 22:36-40; John 13:34-35; Romans 2:13; James 1:22-25; 1John 2:4). But we can’t do GOD’s will and have a relationship with GOD unless we know GOD (Matthew 16:13-17; John 8:19). Do you know GOD? We can know GOD by knowing GOD’s Word and spending time in prayer. Relationship matters.

GOD gave us the awesome opportunity to experience the greatness of love through relationships. We are not meant to live life alone. If you live life alone, you will end up like the character, Chuck Noland (played by Tom Hanks), in the 2000 movie, Cast Away, who spent his time talking to a volleyball!

In Genesis 2:18-24, GOD said that it was not good for man to be alone and so He created Eve. And Adam basically responded by saying, “Wow! A suitable companion! A perfect partner!”

Love matters because relationship simply isn’t possible without it. Relationship is a reflection of love and is necessary to showcase a covenant union. And because relationship matters, fellowship matters. All throughout the Bible, it is evident that people need relationship. Even Moses needed others. First and foremost, Moses needed GOD (Exodus 3:11-12). But he also needed Aaron’s strengths in order to help fill in the gaps of his own weaknesses (Exodus 4:10-16). And finally, we see that Moses needed others because he simply couldn’t do everything by himself (Exodus 17:8-13; 18:13-27).

Teamwork makes the dream work! Teamwork works! Consider sports. Boxing and wrestling are solo sports where teammates don’t exist. The upside to solo sports is the fact that you own every victory. The downside to solo sports is that the competitor is never allowed to have a bad day or else he/she loses; in a one-on-one fight, just one bad decision can cause a great upset and loss. The following video reveals some amazing comeback fights in MMA. Take notice that for the person who lost, it took mere seconds within one bad decision to feel the devastating consequences of that bad decision.

However, in sports such as football, soccer, hockey, baseball, and basketball, the individual can have a bad day and still end up winning the game because of the other teammates. In life, we need teammates to help carry us to victory if we ever have a bad day. Consider this example: In Spider-Man: Homecoming, Iron Man saved Spider-Man. Ponder on that. Yes – superheroes save other superheroes. Why? Because no superhero is perfect.

 

Now, examine the three images (above). What do these three images have in common? What message do these three images convey? Well, the Justice League – a fictional group of superheroes – is the altruistic ideal that was created from the same concept by which the historic Peloponnesian League was formed in ancient Greece: The purpose was mutual protection. Greater than the sum of their awe-inspiring parts, an alliance was formed to respond to threats too massive for any single hero. In fact, that’s why the Avengers formed! That’s why X-Men teamed up together! Consider the legendary Spartans who were known for their elite warriors. Each Spartan hoplite came together to form the phalanx; all Spartans came together to act as one Sparta. Leonidas – the leader of Sparta – wasn’t great alone. (He was a great warrior, but that does not make him great.) In fact, Sparta wasn’t able to be great alone and that’s why the Peloponnesian League formed. Think about it: many people consider Superman to be the greatest; however, even Superman chose to be a single link in a mighty chain called the Justice League.

Muhammad Ali is considered to be one of the greatest boxers in history. In fact, during his prime, Ali often proclaimed to both the contender and audience at large, “I am the greatest!” However, in 1981, Ali was forced to admit that he had been defeated and that his body simply could no longer perform as it once had been able to do in the past. Question: if someone is the greatest, how can that person be defeated? Truly, if you can be defeated (and I assure you that you can), then you’re not the greatest.

Therein lies the problem with riding solo: losing is inevitable. The wisdom found in Proverbs 6:6 tells us to consider the ant. Though that specific passage is about work ethic, comparing a person’s laziness to the ants’ diligence, the wisdom to consider the ant still applies for this message. Ants work as a team. Teamwork works! Consider the ant: in a flood, a bunch of ants were discovered floating because they linked together so as not to sink and drown; their unity kept them alive. Together, we can accomplish more than we can accomplish alone.

Christ Himself – who is the greatest – single-handedly defeated evil, conquered death and saved us! However, Jesus also showed us the importance of teamwork by forming the ‘Righteous League,’ which consisted of 12 unique disciples (and then expanded from there). Further, Jesus emphasized the importance of fellowship which highlighted humanity’s inability to live life alone. But then again, GOD made that evident when He created Eve for Adam (Genesis 2:18-24).

The Peloponnesian League remained in existence until the 360s when Corinth and other member states were obliged to quit and separate after Sparta’s defeat by Thebes. But why did the Peloponnesian League fail? The foundation was built on quicksand: Sparta only cared about itself; the alliance was superficial. In stark contrast, it is the selfless and sacrificial love of Jesus that is the ultimate standard by which we should all strive to reflect and connect with others. Christ is the Cornerstone (Isaiah 28:16-17; Ephesians 2:19-21), the foundation on which all creation firmly stands; all other ground is sinking sand.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
(Matthew 7:24-27) -ESV

Examine that comparison. Two different lives. They both build, they both hear, and they both experience the storm of life; however, only one is called wise and survived the storm. The difference is that the wise person took action after hearing Jesus’ words. The wise person lives according to the Word of GOD.

“For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.”
(Romans 2:13) -ESV

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
(James 1:22) -ESV

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 7:21) -ESV

The point I’m trying to make is that superheroes simply cannot be superheroes if they never take action. Spider-Man would not be a superhero if he knew he should save someone but didn’t do it (James 4:17). It doesn’t matter what you’re capable of doing if you refuse to take action. That’s called wasted potential. Possessing superpowers is useless unless you use them. What good would Superman be if he decided not to use his powers but decided instead to watch television all day? But as we’ve already learned, even an active solo superhero can lose the battle due to one bad decision. Let’s consider the active ants and join together as a team. Even the superhero Ant-Man teamed up with the Wasp. But even if we come together as a team, we need to take action. A phalanx doesn’t remain stationary, hiding behind their shields. An inactive phalanx is as intimidating and ineffective as a turtle that refuses to come out of its shell. A turtle may have a fairly good defense, but how long can its shell withstand the hammer’s blow before cracking under the consistent pressure? Love is active.

The Righteous League’s Leader (Jesus) became the servant and the sacrifice in order to insure the protection of everyone who seeks to be covered; and this is why He is the Savior. From servant, to sacrifice, to Savior, Jesus Christ is the greatest insurance policy you will ever be able to obtain. Nationwide Insurance might claim to be on your side (as their slogan suggests), but they are more like a leech that latches onto your side to suck your blood. Jesus isn’t on your side – He leads the way in front of you, clearing paths before you, yet He also completely covers you! Christ doesn’t take your blood, didn’t require your blood for sacrifice like Sparta demanded of its hoplites; instead, Jesus covered you with His own blood. The Righteous League is not a superficial alliance that easily separates! And why not? Because it is a bond linked together by agape love.

We (Christians) are the Righteous League! Rise in righteousness! Not as a self-righteous and self-proclaimed super saint who believes him/herself to be superior over others – no! In fact, we huddle together in humility, knowing we are saved by grace and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)! We are not an elite group who excludes others; rather, we invite everyone to join. It’s time to form our own phalanx; however, rather than creating a wall of physical shields that act as barriers and carrying dangerous spears that can take lives, let us hold up our shields of faith as our defense, stand firmly on the foundation of GOD’s Word, and outstretch our arms with love in order to combat evil and save lives. Get into formation! The movement is on the way! Peter instructed us to be sober-minded, alert, to keep watch, and resist the devil (1Peter 5:8-9); James also instructed us to resist the devil (James 4:7). Paul instructed us to put on the full armor of GOD (Ephesians 6:10-20). As a member of the Righteous League, I exhort you to heed the wise advice found in the Word:

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) -NLT

Superheroes desire to be loved as much as they love others and long for meaningful relationships. Spider-Man (Peter Parker) accepted love from Mary Jane Watson and Superman (Clark Kent) accepted love from Lois Lane. Because superheroes are motivated by love, they also long for love. But superheroes don’t just long for eros love, but also phileo love. Batman was a good fighter, but he teamed up with Robin; Iron Man was smart, but he still linked up with the Avengers; even Superman linked up with the Justice League!

As Christians, we should form a phileo phalanx of fellowship, uniting together, holding up the impenetrable shield of faith. We are the Righteous League! We are called to overcome evil by doing good (Romans 12:21). That means we are active! We are not turtles who hide in our shells! Turtles that hide in their shells don’t experience life and can’t help anyone. Christians are supposed to be active and more like the fearless Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! And just like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, we are not meant to live life alone! Those found in isolation become victims of the predator who preys upon the lonely. Not only was that true in the 1990 movie of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles where Raphael was targeted because he was alone, but it is also true in nature. Does not the lion hunt the isolated victim? The one who falls behind without covering is highly susceptible to attack.

Don’t allow the predator to prey upon you; instead, pray to GOD for strength and security found through fellowship. And if you need somebody to lean on, then lean on me. And then together, we will lean on the immovable Cornerstone of Christ.

 

Sculpture

Michelangelo began the sculpting of the marble Statue of David in 1501 and completed it in 1504 — it took about four years to finish! Please take some time right now to truly absorb that information. Michelangelo spent four years of his life in order to complete one single statue!

Most people can’t finish something they started four hours ago! In fact, most people won’t even give someone or something a mere four minutes of his/her time! As of April 02, 2015, the average attention span of a human being dropped from 12 seconds (in 2000) to 8.25 seconds! The average attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds!

(Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, The Associated Press)

So if you’ve read enough of my message thus far to see this, congratulations for possessing a focus which surpasses the vast majority of our entertainment-seeking population. How sad and pathetic is it that a goldfish has a longer attention span than a lot of us humans? But if you are one of the rare individuals who possesses the desire to be greater than a goldfish, please keep reading…

Michelangelo’s David is 14 feet tall. Why? Many believe that Goliath was 13 feet tall. Though David was a small man, his character and triumph over Goliath made him a bigger legend. When installed, the Statue of David was positioned to face Rome. Why? Rome may have its empire, but David had GOD-Almighty. David became the symbol of liberty and freedom of the Republican ideals, showing Florence’s willingness to defend itself; the little guy will not cower in fear to a seemingly bigger opponent:

“David said to Goliath, ‘You are coming to fight against me with a sword, a spear and a javelin. But I’m coming against you in the name of the Lord who rules over all. He is the God of the armies of Israel. He’s the one you have dared to fight against.’ ”

(1Samuel 17:45) —NIRV

Michelangelo wasn’t originally intended to be the artist of the statue of David. The Overseers of the Office of Works of Florence Cathedral made plans to commission a series of twelve large Old Testament sculptures for the cathedral. In 1410, Donatello made the first of the statues: a figure of Joshua. However, Donatello never ended up making the David statue for this particular project. Donatello had sculpted a statue of David from marble, but it was for a different commission. And as it was, 54 years passed until the statue of David for this particular commission was attempted.

In 1464, the Operai was eager to continue their project and contracted Agostino di Duccio to create the statue of David. However, Agostino only got as far as beginning to shape the feet, legs and torso. For reasons unknown, Agostino’s association with the project ceased when Donatello died in 1466.

About ten years later, in 1475-1476, Antonio Rossellino was commissioned to take up where Agostino had left off. However, Rossellino’s contract was terminated soon thereafter. It didn’t work out. It wasn’t meant to be. Apparently, Rossellino had quit because he rejected the quality of the marble and believed the task to be too difficult to achieve.

The massive block of marble, which was destined to become the Statue of David, sat neglected in the yard of the cathedral workshop for 25 more years while it was exposed to the elements.

Though Leonardo da Vinci and other artists were considered and consulted, it was a 26-year-old man named Michelangelo who convinced the Operai that he deserved the commission. On August 16, 1501, Michelangelo was given the official contract to sculpt David from the massive block of marble. By the time Michelangelo began sculpting the massive block of marble, nearly a century had passed from the time the statue was originally intended to be created.

Michelangelo accepted the challenge that Rossellino rejected; Michelangelo saw the potential in the marble whereas Rossellino saw the problem. And the marble that Michelangelo accepted had 25 years of exposure to the elements — it was worse off than what Rossellino had to work with when he rejected it! Michelangelo looked at the imperfect marble with 25 years of weather covering it, yet he saw a perfect opportunity for possibility!

In June of 1504, the completed Statue of David was installed next to the entrance of the Palazzo Vecchio, replacing Donatello’s bronze sculpture of Judith and Holofernes.

Donatello was one of the greatest sculptors of all time. But Michelangelo did what Donatello never did with marble that no one else was able to manipulate. Michelangelo’s Statue of David replaced Donatello’s sculpture at a prime location!

There are five main points of my message that I pray you will receive, absorb, and put into practice:

(1) Dare to dream.

(2) Do not compare yourself to others.

(3) There are no shortcuts to success.

(4) Finish what you start.

(5) You can sculpt your life.

1. Dare to dream!

Michelangelo knew deep down inside that he was an artist. He became famous and was known for his sculptures, paintings, architecture, and poetry. He did what he loved and he loved what he did. And he did what he loved because he dared to dream. He dared to take the vision he had within him, pull it out and present it to others.

So many of us have people in our lives who try to tell us who to be and what career path to follow. I don’t know this for a fact, but I’m willing to bet that Michelangelo had people in his life who told him what to do and who he should be. But he dared to dream and to be true to himself. He had vision and was courageous enough to follow his dream.

(2) Do not compare yourself to others!

When everyone else was creating images of David standing over Goliath’s head or in mid-sling, Michelangelo chose to portray David in a different and unique manner. Michelangelo’s Statue of David is portrayed in a defining moment of contemplation of one simple decision. The defining moment was when David had decided to face Goliath. Michelangelo was wise enough to know that the first battle begins in the mind. If you lose the mental battle to doubt and fear, you have already lost the war. The victory for David was won once that decision to conquer doubt and fear was made. One simple decision to place trust in GOD! One simple decision to say what Isaiah had also said with courage: “Here I am! Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

Michelangelo created his own style in all that he did. And he did so because he didn’t compare himself to others. He didn’t try to copy the style of Donatello or Leonardo. He possessed the focus necessary to remain true to who GOD called him to be. And Michelangelo’s Statue of David replaced Donatello’s sculpture at a prime location! Because Michelangelo was unique, his work was chosen over Donatello’s work! That was a huge accomplishment that never would have happened had Michelangelo compared himself to others and tried to be like other people!

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve, but we serve the same Lord. And there are different ways that God works in people, but it is the same God who works in all of us to do everything. Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person. The Spirit gives this to each one to help others.”

(1 Corinthians 12:4-7) -ERV

(3) There are no shortcuts to success. 

All great achievements require some sort of sacrifice. All great accomplishments involve work and diligence. History reveals to us that Michelangelo convinced the Operai that he was the best person for the commission. History didn’t say that the job or blessing fell into his lap while he was sitting at home playing video games or sleeping in the shade. No. Michelangelo had to go out there and get it. He had to convince people to see in him what he saw in himself — the person GOD knew and created!

And how do you think Michelangelo got so good at what he did? I’m sure that some of it was innate ability, GOD-given talent; however, he also practiced his art and had quite a bit of art experience prior to him convincing the Operai of his ability. After all, from what did the Operai base their decision to acknowledge Michelangelo’s talent? Michelangelo had over a decade of art experience prior to his commission to sculpt David. All of his experiences added up to a reputation-portfolio that exemplified his talent. All of his earlier projects led him to the commission of David. Therefore, do not minimize the small accomplishments of life. Many single steps of progress eventually lead to a journey long traveled and a destiny fulfilled.

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”

(Zechariah 4:10) —NLT

And then it took Michelangelo four years to finish the statue! How many naysayers and scoffers do you think Michelangelo had to listen to? After all, two other artists never finished the statue! I bet some scoffers even said that the marble itself was cursed and that no one would ever finish the statue. I bet Michelangelo heard people say, “If you’re not done by now, you should just give up.”

(4) Finish what you start! 

If Michelangelo would have given up and quit (just like the two artists before him), the amazing statue might not have ever been sculpted. Or maybe someone else would have eventually sculpted David from the marble. But the only reason why Michelangelo’s art is famous is because he finished what he started and he never gave up.

How many projects have you started yet never finished? The only way something can ever come from your projects is if you finish them! And if you don’t finish them, GOD will send someone else to finish what you’ve started. Even if the project takes 91 years to complete, GOD will find the right person to complete the project. Even if the project sits abandoned for 25 years, GOD will send the right person to finish the work. And the one who finishes what has been started is the one who gets the reward of seeing how much good can come from the finished product. You will never know how much good you can create in this world unless you finish what you start.

(5) You can sculpt your life!

Do you know how Michelangelo sculpted David from the massive block of marble? He simply removed everything he didn’t believe was David. Everything that was not David ended up being chiseled away and removed.

How can you sculpt your life? Simply remove everything that GOD has not called you to be. GOD has created you for a specific reason and has given you a specific calling. First and foremost, simply chisel away everything that is unholy and sinful. The better aligned you are in GOD’s Word, the better aligned you will be to GOD’s calling for your life. Chisel away the sin and the righteous shape will remain. After the righteous shape has been formed, you only need to sand off the rough edges and polish to a finish. You sculpt your life by the choices and decisions you make. Every choice you make is you chiseling away; every decision you make is you determining how you will end up. What are you chiseling away? Who are you sculpting?

If you have a calling within you from GOD that you have not yet started, today is the day. Start right now. If you have an unfinished project that GOD has called you to complete, dedicate yourself to that project right now. Make a decision right now that you will not give up what GOD has called you to complete. If you need to chisel away bad things or people from your life, make a decision right now that you will start chiseling those bad things or people away. If you want to sculpt yourself into the righteous man or woman whom GOD has called you to be, make a decision right now that you will dedicate your time and energy into sculpting yourself into a righteous man or woman of GOD. What you decide today will determine your tomorrow. You will make a choice today. What will you decide?

Something to ponder: 

Girolamo Savonarola was born in 1452 in Ferrara, Italy. He started training as a physician, but his idealism caused him to drop out and join the Dominican order to fight the evils of the world. He transferred to the Convent of San Marco in Florence in 1482 and rose to the position of prior. By 1491, Savonarola had become a famous preacher. By 1494, he was a spiritual leader. Savonarola used his power and popularity to bring about reform of church and state and became a virtual dictator over Florence. Under his leadership came a startling transformation: Businessmen restored ill-gotten gains; there was much Bible reading; and the churches were crowded. But like most spiritual leaders, he also gained enemies. One of those was Pope Alexander VI.

For years, Savonarola had influenced Florence; in fact, his influence was so great that during the carnival season in 1497, children gathered indecent books and pictures and made a bonfire of them in the main square while singing hymns. However, as time passed, community support for Savonarola’s strict views waned and his power plummeted and the power of the Pope prevailed. Pope Alexander VI, taking advantage of the community’s complacency decided to make the most of the situation by excommunicating Savonarola from the church on the grounds that he had disobeyed the Pope’s commands.

The Pope ordered Florence to silence Savonarola or send him to Rome for trial. The fickle public abandoned Savonarola as the city government changed hands. The new government arrested Savonarola in April of 1498. He was tried for sedition and heresy and was brutally tortured. On May 23, 1498, he was publicly hanged and his body burned.

In the succeeding years, the majority of citizens of Florence went back to their old sinful ways, yet many permanently changed. One of those who were changed was a sculptor named Michelangelo.

Reflection:

• Girolamo Savonarola did not finish what he initially started (becoming a physician) and dropped out of studies. Though he did not finish the endeavor of becoming a physician, he did finish what he needed to accomplish in order to achieve GOD’s calling on his life. Why did Savonarola not finish becoming a physician if it is important to finish what you’ve started?
• What, if anything, did Savonarola chisel away in order to achieve GOD’s calling on his life?
• Savonarola departed Earth in 1498. Michelangelo didn’t even begin sculpting the Statue of David until 1501. Michelangelo departed Earth in 1564. I wrote this article in 2015. Savonarola was not around to see everything Michelangelo accomplished. Michelangelo is not around to read my article.  I have no idea whether you are reading this article or not. Do you believe I will be around to see how this article will affect others? Does it matter? Explain.
• Is it important to always harvest from the seeds you sew? Can you still make a difference by planting seeds if you are not around to see their growth and enjoy the fruits? Explain.
• In what ways did Savonarola plants seeds for Michelangelo? In what ways has Michelangelo planted seeds for others? How many people have gathered from what he has sewn?
• Is it enough to plant seeds? Must you know what happens to the seeds you plant? Is it enough to make your mark in the world? Must you know who sees your mark? Must you know how others respond to your work?
• Who are people telling you to be? Who has GOD called you to be? Is it more important to be who people have told you to be or to be who GOD has called you to be?
• How can you focus on your unique qualities rather than comparing yourself to others?
• There are no shortcuts to success — only steps! What steps need to be accomplished in order for you to achieve your ultimate goal? Have you listed out the steps you believe are necessary? What are you currently doing to accomplish the present step you are on? What are you currently doing to prepare for the next step you need to take?
• Is there something you have started that you need to finish? What is it? Why is it important that you finish it? What is the first step you need to take in order to finish what you’ve started? If you haven’t started something, what can you start?
• How can you sculpt your life? What do you need to chisel away? What does not look like the ultimate end goal?