God's Not Like Batman

Batman and other crime-fighting superheros in the comics, television shows or films often tempered their aggression when they caught the bad guys.  Often the superheros resembled a fisherman who embraced a "catch-and-release" approach because they were crime fighters--not the judge, jury or executioner.  I can't remember how many times I groaned inwardly when the hero who finally captured the criminal mastermind responsible for a murderous rampage and wanton destruction said in their best announcer voice, "I'm taking you to the authorities."  It's like the campy criminals knew Batman, Superman and Spiderman had their hands tied and wouldn't kill them, and they seemed to look forward to going to prison because it delayed their deserved punishment--not to mention the high likelihood of their escape, and thus could avoid a trial and sentence of judgment.

I wonder if people think God is a bit like Batman or Superman when it comes to their sin.  They have heard God is loving, merciful and kind, so they assume He is hamstrung from punishing sinners.  If arrested by the just God they would assume the attitude of a smug super-villain, extend their wrists and coyly say, "Arrest me then.  Guilty as charged."  Anyone who would think to do so does not comprehend the gravity of their sin, the unescapable, just penalty sin requires of eternal death and how God will see the sentence carried out with His furious wrath.  Even in fictitious superhero tales the criminals change their tune when merely threatened with death.  They go from boastful tough guys to whimpering babies when dangled by their ankles from a skyscraper.  Those unmoved by warnings of God's certain judgment are as Paul said in Romans 3:18:  "There is no fear of God before their eyes."  Everyone will bow the knee in the fear of God, for it is only a matter of when (Phil. 2:9-11).

The trouble for those guilty of sin is their fear of God may come after they are out of time because their lives on earth have come to an end.  At that stage it will be too late for them to make amends--as if anyone can be made righteous with God by even our best efforts.  The life of Ebeneezer Scrooge in the Dicken's Christmas classic was redeemed (from a worldly view) by his sudden embrace of philanthropy, yet those decades of selfishness, greed, envy and miserly disdain of others from a biblical view continued to condemn him before the righteous God into hell forever.  Giving presently would not absolve him of sinful greed for eternity.  Thinking he could redeem himself by his own sacrifices would only add to his chains.  God's word makes it clear there is no good we can do to excuse or exonerate ourselves from the wrong we have done or still do.  If all our best works are as filthy rags in God's sight, then there isn't any hope for us that arises from us.

In stark contrast to the proud boaster, the beginning of Psalm 51 is an example of a contrite heart God renders righteous by faith in Him.  After he sinned, David wrote in Psalm 51:1-4:  "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. ² Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight--that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge."  Instead of trying to justify himself, David humbly fell upon the mercy of the just, righteous God Who is merciful, loving and blameless.  This man after God's own heart showed great fear of the LORD Who is Judge over all.  Those who admit and repent of their sin by God's grace can receive forgiveness because Jesus has paid the price with His shed blood.  Only God is able to forgive sins, and Jesus was willing and able to provide atonement for the sins of the world.

I'm glad God is nothing like Batman, for the LORD God is able to forgive sin and provide eternal life for all who trust in Him--even if our thoughts and actions make comic book villains look tame.  Batman could only be at one place at one time and struggled at times to save himself in the moral cesspool of Gotham.  God sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to extend the gift of salvation to the whole world, and He is risen from the dead and seated in glory.  He's my hero, my Saviour, and God's will is for Jesus to be your Saviour too.