I Am Batman

Matthew 23:1-12

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them. All their works are performed to be seen. They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation ‘Rabbi.’ As for you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers. Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven. Do not be called ‘Master’; you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Blog:

I have a sign that hangs in my office.  It reads, “Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman.  Then, always be Batman.”  A few years ago, I had the opportunity to volunteer at my Daughter’s Elementary School as a Watch Dog Dad.  It was awesome and I had a fantastic time.  Since they were all Kindergarteners, I thought it would be funny to tell them I was “Batman” when they asked what I did for work.  Well, three (3) years later, I am still Batman when I see any of the Kids.  The most common question I get is, “when can see your bat cave?”  It’s adorable and I love it!  Coming back to Jesus’ lessons on following the “right” examples, I would have to change the sign in my office to, “Always be yourself, unless you can be Jesus.  Then, always be Jesus.”  That’s profound.  It’s the very thing that He calls us to do always.  Each and every day, we’re encouraged to ask ourselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD)  Toby Mac, a modern Christian artist, has a song from his days with the group D.C. Talk, “Jesus Freak” (see lyrics below).  I think that’s the goal of this world.  To continue in our Faith to get as close as possible to Jesus in our days on Earth to be considered by Jesus (in the quiet of our hearts) as “Jesus Freaks”.  As humble servants of Christ, we must humbly serve each other and refuse to be enemies with anyone.  To drink the “poison” of anger to the point of wrath could separate us from God.  Nothing is worth that distraction or the religiosity of the scribes and Pharisees.  Jesus should always be at the core of all that we do.  We must continue to “sharpen” and “protect” each other in the service of Christ.  As iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), let us continue our Walks together in the Light of Christ.

“Jesus Freak” by D.C. United

What will people think, when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak? What will people do, when they find that it’s true?
Separated, I cut myself clean, from a past that comes back in my darkest of dreams. Been apprehended by a spiritual force and a grace that replaced all the me I’ve divorced.
I saw a man with tat on his big fat belly. It wiggled around like marmalade jelly. It took me a while to catch what it said ’cause I had to match the rhythm of his belly with my head. “Jesus Saves” is what it raved in a typical tattoo green. He stood on a box in the middle of the city and claimed he had a dream.
What will people think, when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak? What will people do, when they find that it’s true? I don’t really care if they label me a Jesus freak. There ain’t no disguising the truth.
Kamikaze, my death is gain. I’ve been marked by my Maker. A peculiar display; the high and lofty, they see me as weak ’cause I won’t live and die for the power they seek.
There was a man from the desert with naps in his head. The sand that he walked was also his bed. The words that he spoke made the people assume. There wasn’t too much left in the upper room. With skins on his back and hair on his face. They thought he was strange by the locusts he ate. The Pharisees tripped when they heard him speak until the king took the head of this Jesus freak.
What will people think, when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak? What will people do, when they find that it’s true? I don’t really care if they label me a Jesus freak. There ain’t no disguising the truth.
People say I’m strange, does it make me a stranger? That my best friend was born in a manger. People say I’m strange, does it make me a stranger? That my best friend was born in a manger.
What will people think, when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak? What will people do, when they find that it’s true? I don’t really care if they label me a Jesus freak. There ain’t no disguising the truth.
Jesus is the way!