Where Can You Find Identity and Purpose?
Coming up on this episode of the Men at the Movies podcast, Britt and I talk about Man of Steel. Clark had 2 fathers to give him his identity and purpose—where can we go to find ours? The only way to receive the validation and love from God is in solitude. We discover new identities, and prepare for the battles to head. Join us as we discover God’s truth in this movie.
The Quotes
Superman has to face a challenge that is something more than physical strength.
You have these gifts. But what are they for?
It is not until we are content with solitude that God can put us in front of anybody.
You have all this potential, but my main concern is your heart.
If you don’t understand self-sacrifice, you won’t understand solitude.
The only way to receive the validation and love from God is in solitude.
We grow in wisdom just by doing life.
Fall in love with the secret place.
If I can put it down, and God doesn’t force me to pick it back up, then it’s just me doing it.
Themes
Character development
Just like Jesus (and all of us), Clark has to go through his initiation before he can become who he was meant to be.
There is a time between the moment you know who you are, and the moment you step into that identity.
Clark is dealing with big questions, questions we all have:
Where do I come from?
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What do I do with the power I have?
The role of parents to answer these questions
Fathers teach self-sacrifice. They give you identity and purpose.
Mothers teach gentleness, patience, endurance, and a non-physical strength.
Conversation of Batman vs Spiderman vs Superman. You can become Batman or Spiderman through circumstances. You can’t become Superman.
Batman: made himself who he was
Spiderman: ordinary kid who was bitten by a spider
Superman: an alien who’s power comes from who he is
The power of solitude
It’s the place we can ask God our questions.
Solitude is where we receive new identities and capabilities.
Solitude prepares us for the battles we are about to face.
Resources
“When Joshua was near the town of Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with sword in hand. Joshua went up to him and demanded, “Are you friend or foe?”
“Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the Lord’s army.” - Joshua 5:13-14 (NLT)
We can’t use our talents and abilities in the service of the Kingdom of God because they have to first be redeemed. - Watchman Nee
“When Am I Not Okay?” - Wild at Heart podcast, 8/25/24
“When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” - Colossians 3:4-5 (ESV)
Questions
Who is your favorite superhero? Why?
Where do you feel hidden? Stifled? Uncomfortable?
What gifts have you been given?
What would it be like to crucify your gifts, to let them die so that God can redeem them?
Where do your dreams prop yourself up?
Who points you back to your character?
What does solitude mean to you?
Where do you go to hear the voice of your father?
More info
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Edited and mixed by Grayson Foster
Logo and episode templates by Ian Johnston
Audio quotes performed by Britt Mooney, Paul McDonald, and Tim Willard, taken from Epic (written by John Eldredge) and Song of Albion (written by Stephen Lawhead).
Southerly Change performed by Zane Dickinson, used under license from Shutterstock.
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