Nothing helps a superhero go over well with fans more than a good catchphrase. The best catchphrases are ones that immediately bring memories of the superhero in question to the minds of fans, even those who don't regularly read the comics. There are even some catchphrases that seem nonsensical to mainstream audiences, but they still know the heroes by them!
The catch phrase up above in the title of this devotion is something said by Johnny Storm the superhero “the Human Torch”. Johnny Storm had one of the first catchphrases in Marvel Comics. Appearing in the first superhero comic book in Marvel, Human Torch can burst into flames by will, and while he doesn't have to say anything to light up, he still yells "Flame On" when he changes into Human Torch. Now, I am not a superhero kind of guy, although I did name the dog I once had “Thor” after the comic book hero with the helmet on his head and a big hammer in his hand. But for the most part watching some Superman, Batman, and Spiderman cartoons I am pretty limited on my superhero hype and interest.
If, we really want to talk about a superhero It would be in the person of Jesus Christ. This Son of God, born in the flesh was a real person, not a cartoon character, and He was the greatest hero who ever lived. He accomplished things no other human being could ever do. He performed miracle after miracle, He was able to see into the future and predict events with perfect clarity and accuracy, He could see right into the heart of every person He met, and the most impressive acts He did were to give His life for the sins of the world, while dying on a cross, and then came back to life three days later. So then, tell me what superhero could ever pull such amazing acts as these off. I can tell you with all certainty, NONE!
This Sunday is commemorating another mighty act done by our Lord Jesus. It is the sending of the Holy Spirit! Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, Counselor, Power from on high, to His disciples, and that is exactly what He did on Pentecost. Acts 2:2-4 shares these words, “And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Wow! Now that my friends is what “Flame On” really means. These faithful followers of Jesus, who feared for their lives, had a new-found power and boldness like nothing they had possessed before, and it was directly gifted from God Himself.
Dear friends in Christ, you do not have to be a superhero to have special powers. In fact, you have the greatest power within you known to creation which is the Holy Spirit! Never doubt the greatness of having the Spirit in your life, for in such knowing exists the ability to be a faithful and fearless servant of Christ. Go for it, Flame On! Pastor McCarty