Captain Andromeda

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3

Eight-year-old Jalen planted himself in front of the TV to watch cartoons. His favorite was Captain Andromeda, and he often pretended to be Captain Andromeda with his black cape and hood.

“Mom!” Jalen’s sister, Cassie, said as she came into the room. “I put a five-dollar bill on my dresser yesterday, and now it’s gone!”

“Are you sure?” asked Mom.

Cassie nodded. “One hundred percent sure!”

Mom turned to her son. “Do you know anything about that, Jalen?” He was so engrossed in his TV show that he didn’t realize she was speaking to him. She tried again. “Earth calling Captain Andromeda!” she said in a staticky voice. “Come in, Captain!”

Jalen loved this game, and he answered in his deepest voice. “Captain Andromeda speaking. How can I help you today?”

“Cassie is missing a five-dollar bill,” replied Mom. “Can you help us, Captain?”

“Of course I can help,” Jalen said, flexing his muscles. “Captain Andromeda helps those in need. The money was given to a boy in Captain Andromeda’s class who needed it.” He stuck his fist into the air and shouted, “Up, up, and away!” then spread his arms like he was flying.

“Hold on there,” Mom said, catching hold of his arm. “You mean you took the money off Cassie’s dresser?”

“Well, yeah, but I did something good with it,” Jalen said. “I gave it to Troy. He needed it.”

“But it wasn’t yours to give. You stole it.” Mom shook her head. “I think all this Captain Andromeda stuff is making you forget who your real hero is. Jesus is the one who saved you from sin and death, and He’s the example you should follow. Would Jesus take something that didn’t belong to Him?”

Jalen looked at the floor. “No.”

“That’s why you need to trust Him to help you handle situations like that,” said Mom. “He’ll guide you and show you how to help others the way He wants you to.”

Jalen nodded and looked at his sister. “I’m sorry, Cassie. I’ll pay you back. And from now on, I’ll remember that Jesus is the hero I need to follow!” – Raelene E. Phillips

How About You?

Do you have a hero—someone you especially admire? Maybe it’s an athlete, a musician, or a character from a movie or TV show. It’s okay to admire people—especially those who have done something special or who do nice things for others. But if you’re a Christian, Jesus should be the example you follow in everything you do. When you’re not sure what the right thing to do is, trust Him to guide you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Make Jesus your hero