After a horrible accident in an experimental plane, Steve lingered on the fringe of death. Most people would have given up on him. However, a special group of doctors, scientists and machinists were called in to save his life. “Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world’s first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better…stronger…faster.” Steve not only walked again—he ran faster, grew stronger and saw further than any other man (add cheesy sound effects here).
The Virus of Iniquity
Today we continue to work toward the vision of the character’s creator, author Martin Caidin. We want to make better men—stronger, faster, and healthier. However, these qualities don’t make men better. We don’t need six million dollars and hours of research to build a better man. Better men come from God’s word.
Mankind’s most horrific problem isn’t a mangled body lying on an operating table. It has nothing to do with the weakness of his muscles or the frailties of his flesh. Man’s problem is sin. The virus of iniquity plagues his soul and steals his life. Thankfully, God calls to the person ensnared in sin and offers to make him a better man (2 Thes 2:13-14).
How is God’s man better?
First, God’s man runs faster. Sin weighs man down and makes him slow. Clinging to sin, man cannot effectively race toward heaven. “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb 12:1). By allowing God to forgive him, he becomes a better man.
Second, a man reworked by God is better because he is stronger. Many people have a warped view of strength. They think strength comes from weight training, protein drinks and bionic implants. Yet these only affect the strength of the body, which is inherently weaker than spiritual strength. Paul explained, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor 1:25). Through the power of God, man can have strength that excels beyond natural limitations (Phil 4:13; Eph 6:10).
Finally, God’s man is better because he sees further. While Steve Austin’s right eye remained normal, his left eye was replaced with a cybernetic implant. It allowed him to see at distances up to 200 yards. Even with enhancements, his limitations were severe. The vision of God’s man suffers from no such limitations. Peter criticized those men of God who did not grow as being blind and nearsighted (2 Pet 1:9). He didn’t mean that they had poor eyesight, but poor vision of the future. God affords his patients improved vision that allows them to see past the here and now. They see two eternal destinies; two roads that lead to them; and one map (the Bible) that gives directions to both places. Yet God’s man has the foresight to follow the path that leads to eternal life.
Anyone can be that man.
Colonel Steve Austin was a fictional character. Yet, even with his cartoonish abilities, he doesn’t compare with the realities of God’s better man. God said, “Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the sacrifice and the capability to rework him in the image of Christ. Anyone can be that man. Better than he was before. Faster…stronger…a man of vision.”
Anyone can become a better man in the hands of God (bionic implants and six million dollars are unnecessary).
Preaching Minister
