LONGING FOR THE SUPERNATURAL
In Bolivia, an eight-year-old boy provoked a black widow spider into biting him, hoping it’s venom would turn him into the Marvel Comics superhero, Spiderman. Unlike the fictional character, rather than furnishing him with superpowers to swing through the air, the black widow’s bite created severe reactions.
Three hours after the incident, the boy began experiencing body aches and intense muscle contractions … but no superpowers. He was treated, and eventually released. Just in case you’re wondering, the chief health official who treated the boy stated concerning black widows, “They do not cause anyone to become Spider-Man.” Note to self. (Newsweek, August 2, 2023)
This boy understood a powerful truth many of us fail to grasp. All human beings possess an innate longing for supernatural power in our lives, placed there by our creator (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Why else would every single culture, past and present, without exception, hold beliefs in a higher spiritual power and an afterlife? And why do nearly all the popular movies contain some element of the supernatural? This boy’s actions demonstrate the extent to which we’re willing to go, so we can connect with this power.
Here’s the good news. If you know Jesus, you don’t have to be bitten by a radioactive spider. You have access to the greatest power in the universe. The God who created everything in existence lives in you! 1 Corinthians 3:16 states, “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” This is not some vague fantasy. This is a guarantee from God himself.
Sit down, take a deep breath, and invite God to fill you with his power. As you go through the day, remember his promise of supernatural power. And live as if it’s true … Because it is.
Ponder:
At what times in life have you especially noticed your longing for the supernatural?
Describe how knowing that the Creator of the universe lives in you impacts you.
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study 1 Corinthians 3:16-23.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, how indescribably amazing it is that you choose to live in me! Help me to live worthily of such an honor.