Sermon From The Most Reverend Spiderman

Jeffrey Kurniawan, a good friend of mine, delivered an interesting speech at the morning chapel yesterday. He looked at the 27th chapter of the book of Numbers, exposing all the possibilities of Moses’ sin.

Indeed, Jeffrey was not able to conclude what was the definite sin of Moses. Whatever the sin was, however, the punishment is clear. Moses was prevented from entering the promise land. In the speaker’s perspective, Moses was not deserved for such heavy punishment. Why God was so angry? Why did God grant Moses a devastating end, after a long journey and career as faithful servant of Yahweh, great leader of Israel, and bearer of the Torah? A period of 40 years in the wilderness was not a short and easy time to pass. Moses was both the true hero of Israel and of God. He freed the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt. Beside his responsibility as God’s spokesman (as a prophet), Moses also acted as priest, offering intercessory prayers for the Israelites. God’s decision might have hurt Moses emotionally. God sent Moses ‘to die’ before reaching the promise land.

Jeffrey was correct, I think, in clarifying that it is not the content of the sin that sent Moses ‘to die.’ It is who did such sin that matter most. Not the action, but the actor (not what, but who) that was more important in determining the nature of the punishment. Then he quote words from his favorite movie, Spiderman, saying, ‘With great power, comes great responsibility.’ Exactly same sin would not have resulted in same punishment, if it were not Moses who did it. It is a great irony, isn’t it? Moses successful career of leadership, not his sin, had been the cause of his unfortunate fate. Please do reflect on it! In my own words, ‘your success may become your own suicidal weapon.’

Allow me to put Peter Parker’s words in a larger context. Here is the fuller quotation:

‘Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: “With great power comes great responsibility.” This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I’m Spider-man.’

These words explain everything.

(1) We are not called to fear of building our own success or career. Even Spiderman, who may not be a born again Christian is not afraid of exercising the power within him. God grants us power according to his sovereign will. The only responsibility is to be responsible.

(2) We cannot protest to God for what he has invested in our lives. We are not what we wear. We are not what we have. We are not what we do. We are what God has designed and called us to be according to his wonderful grace. And your power is somehow a reflection of God’s calling. Therefore, be faithful to God’s glorious call! Do not be glad simply because of your great power! But do not be afraid of great responsibility! Both power and responsibility define who we are. We cannot separate one from the other.

(3) Power requires responsibility, subsequently, the greater power we exercise the greater responsibility we have to perform. Ironically and sadly, many people these days are seeking power without responsibility, which is absolutely equal to ‘faith without morality.’

To Jeffrey, I (and perhaps also others) thank you for delivering again an inspiring sermon. But Jeffrey and I would like to thank you the most Reverend Peter ‘Spiderman’ Parker for helping us breaking the mystery of ‘Moses’ code.’