His name is Zak and he is my precious, 3-year-old little buddy. He and his two sisters come running into my office on Sundays to hug me before service begins.
This past Saturday, I was in Lowe's and received a text from his grandmother. It read as follows: "Um, I have a special request. Since you are so brilliant at writing things, can you make up a 'Jesus loves Batman' song? I was just told to sing it."
I was in the paint department. I immediately sat down on the bench, and10 minutes later texted this back:
"Jesus loves those who fight crime/putting their lives on the line.
One, though, stands above the rest/Batman clearly is the best.
Jesus loves Batman, yes, he loves Batman/Jesus loves Batman, my preacher told me so.
Jesus loves that Superman, even loves that Peter Pan/he loves the Hulk and he loves Thor/but he loves Batman more.
Jesus loves Batman, yes, he loves Batman/Jesus loves Batman, my preacher told me so.
Jesus loves Batman, true/loves him truly through and through/but he loves you even more/you're the one that he adores.
Yes, Jesus loves you, yes, Jesus loves you/more than he loves Batman/he loves you even more."
Now, I can pretty much predict the kneejerk reaction from some, pontificating on the need for reverence and decorum. Please, spare me. This child will learn all of that as he grows. But Paul said "when I was a child, I thought as a child." It was not until he became a man that he "put away childish things."
In the meantime, a precious child has learned several things. One, Jesus loves him. In fact, he loves him more than possibly the greatest superhero of all time (though, for the record, I am a Hulk fan myself). Two, his pastor has time for him. Three, if you are going to sing, it may as well be about Jesus.
"But Pastor Wagner, Batman isn't real!"
I am aware of that. I also know that Jesus himself often spoke in parables, types, allegories and symbols. I also know that some of the very people who will gasp at my song for some reason see no problem with kids learning theology from a talking tomato and a singing cucumber. No offense meant, Bob and Larry from "Veggie Tales."
So I make no apologies for making my little buddy's day.
The next day Zak was in church ... in his Batman mask. I picked him up, had my picture taken with him, and tweeted: "I don't know who you had visiting your church today, but I had Batman. Top that!"
He took the mask off and sat smiling through the service. After the evening service, he ran into the office again and hugged me before he went home.
Can I write a "Jesus Loves Batman" song?
Oh yes, I can do that.
Bo Wagner is pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mooresboro, N.C., and the author of several books which are available at wordofhismouth.com. Contact him at 2knowhim@cbc-web.org.