Every Hero Has A Choice

By David Bruce

“Every Hero has a choice, to face the darkness, or be consumed by it.” - Mary Parker
In "Spider-Man 3," based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to his wife M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. The man who murdered Peter Parker’s uncle is identified and Peter allows his feelings of anger and revenge to well up inside of him.

His Aunt, Mary Parker, warns him, “Revenge is like a poison, it can take us over. Before you know it can turn you into something ugly.”

She was right, despite Peter’s optimism to save himself, he becomes consumed by this inner darkness and even enjoys it –for a time. “Power it feels good,” he says. “If you lose yourself to it”

There are always consequences. As the Bible says, “You reap what you sow.”

In Peter’s case, the consequences were broken relationships with everyone he dearly loved.
His wife, M.J., begins to notice the separation saying, “Don’t push me away”

Peter in denial of the reality of his darkness states, “Why would I push you away? I love you.”
Later M.J. confronts Peter again, “We have done terrible things to each other. We have to forgive each other, or everything we ever were will mean nothing.”

Peter finally realizes that he cannot save himself, “I need your help, I have to stop it.”

The Dilemma:
There is something very familiar about this Spider-Man story, because all of us have experienced inner anger, hostility, rage and even had revenge moments. Spider-Man’s incredible popularity is particularly due to his connection with the human dilemma.

The apostle Paul once wrote: “I know I am rotten through and through so far as my old sinful nature is concerned. No matter which way I turn, I can't make myself do right. I want to, but I can't. When I want to do good, I don't. And when I try not to do wrong, I do it anyway.” Romans 7:18-20

This sinful nature that Paul talks about is like the darkness we see over take Spider-Man. This inner darkness (sin) that is in all of us and it can control us. What can be done?

Paul went on to say: “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:24-25a.

Finding Freedom From The Darkness Within!
Sin separates you from others and from God. Peter Parker certainly discovered this to be true when his inner darkness separated him from those he loved.

In Romans 3:25 we read: “For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us.”

God’s Incredible Promise:
Galatians 5:22-24 promises that when we give yourself to God, his “Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control... Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.”

Mary Parker is right, “Every Hero has a choice, to face the darkness, or be consumed by it.” Make this your day by making the right choice!

The Right Choice Begins with a Simple Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I put my trust in Jesus, who sacrificed his life for me. Please forgive my sins that have separated me from you. I accept Jesus as the leader and savior of my life. I ask that your Holy Spirit would fill me with love, joy and peace, helping me to overcome my inner darkness. Thank you for your promise of eternal life with you. In Jesus name, amen.

David Bruce writes from White City, Oregon. HollywoodJesus.com