{"id":40470,"date":"2025-02-06T15:06:49","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T23:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/?p=40470"},"modified":"2025-02-06T15:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T23:06:49","slug":"hero-inspiration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/hero-inspiration\/","title":{"rendered":"Hero Inspiration"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cIt has always been the prime function of mythology and rite to supply the symbols that carry the human spirit forward, in counteraction to those other constant human fantasies that tend to tie it back.\u201d[1]<\/a> Many biblical characters inspire us to help us move toward God and His kingdom’s purposes. One such narrative character and possible hero is David. He serves as an excellent example of God using an ordinary person to do extraordinary things for the kingdom while being transformed in the process. Like Campbell\u2019s archetype hero, David was flawed, making him relatable to other \u201cordinary\u201d folks. Following Cambell\u2019s framework of the hero\u2019s journey, we can explore David\u2019s transformation as a symbol to help move us forward.<\/p>\n

First, David was called to an adventure. Even though his brothers appeared better suited to the role, God told Samuel to anoint David, and the Spirit \u201ccame powerfully on David from that day forward.\u201d[2]<\/a> This moment marked the beginning of David\u2019s journey, setting him apart for a purpose greater than himself. Like many heroes in Campbell\u2019s framework, David\u2019s call came unexpectedly and to someone society deemed unworthy. His story encourages us to embrace God\u2019s call, even when it feels overwhelming or illogical.[3]<\/a><\/p>\n

Next, David faced trials and challenges that tested his character and resolve. These external and internal struggles deepened his character and perseverance. He protected his flock from a lion and a bear and later faced the giant Philistine, Goliath, with only a sling and five smooth stones.[4]<\/a> Yet David\u2019s challenges didn\u2019t end there. He endured the jealousy of King Saul, his mentor, who sought to kill him.[5]<\/a> He faced years of exile, betrayal, and personal failures, including the infamous incident with Bathsheba. Despite his faults, God chose to use David. These trials shaped him into a \u201cman after God\u2019s own heart\u201d and prepared him to lead as king over Israel.[6]<\/a><\/p>\n

Campbell\u2019s words resonate here: \u201cBut whether small or great, and no matter what the stage or grade of life, the call rings up the curtain, always, on a mystery of transfiguration \u2013 a rite, or moment, of spiritual passage, which, when complete, amounts to a dying and a birth. The familiar life horizon has been outgrown; the old concepts, ideals, and emotional patterns no longer fit; the time for the passing of a threshold is at hand.\u201d[7]<\/a> David\u2019s life reflects this transformative journey. He faced moments that forced him to grow beyond his former self, abandoning old patterns and ideas to embrace God\u2019s greater plan for his life.<\/p>\n

Finally, David reintegrated into his world with the knowledge acquired during his journey. He lived out his calling in service to God and the Israelites, ruling as king and establishing Jerusalem as the center of worship. Through his leadership, David\u2019s journey came full circle. The lessons learned and his transformation equipped him to fulfill his purpose. His psalms serve as timeless symbols of God\u2019s faithfulness, inspiring countless believers.<\/p>\n

Looking at David\u2019s life through Campell\u2019s framework, we clearly see how God called him, used trials to shape him, and sent him to serve the people under his influence. I can, likewise, use this framework to identify a hero\u2019s journey in my own life. For example, God called me to be a minister of the gospel at the age of twelve. Like David, I have faced trials and challenges that tested my faith and character. I have endured the heartbreak of my daughter\u2019s complete blindness, the betrayal of those closest to me, the devastation of divorce, and the anguish of my son\u2019s rebellion. Yet, in all of this, God has been faithful. He has used these trials to shape my heart and transform me into the image of Jesus.<\/p>\n

There have been many places on my journey that I never would have chosen – scenes of my life I would rather forget. Yet, I remember God\u2019s tender care and mercy in those moments. He uses every twist and turn for our good and his glory.[8]<\/a> Like flawed heroes of the past, I have mistaken discomfort for harm. I couldn\u2019t understand how something painful could be worked for good. But Paul clears that up for us in Romans 8:29, explaining that God\u2019s definition of good is our transformation into the likeness of Jesus.[9]<\/a> That horrible thing I\u2019d rather forget\u2014even that\u2014is being used to transform me. It will bring glory to God by impacting those around me.<\/p>\n

My journey has not felt like one of a hero. Yet, who am I to name myself or choose who is qualified? God is the one who calls, shapes and sends. I am simply a willing participant in His story. I am thankful for the characters of the Bible who serve as symbols of God\u2019s faithfulness to His children. Their stories remind me that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, no matter how flawed. Like David, we are called to step into the adventure, face the challenges, and reintegrate with the knowledge that God\u2019s faithfulness and purpose transcend our circumstances. Though our stories may not match Campbell\u2019s pattern, we can be inspired by the stories of flawed heroes who kept moving forward when life\u2019s hardships threatened to hold them back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[1]<\/a> Campbell, Joseph.\u00a0The Hero with a Thousand Faces<\/em>. Third edition. Novato, CA: New World<\/p>\n

Library, 2008, 11.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> 1 Samuel 16:13<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> OpenAI. ChatGPT (Feb 6 version)<\/em>. February 6, 2025. https:\/\/chat.openai.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> 1 Samuel 17:37<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> 1 Samuel 18:10<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> 1 Samuel 13:14<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> Campbell, 51.<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> Romans 8:28<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> Romans 8:29<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cIt has always been the prime function of mythology and rite to supply the symbols that carry the human spirit forward, in counteraction to those other constant human fantasies that tend to tie it back.\u201d[1] Many biblical characters inspire us to help us move toward God and His kingdom’s purposes. One such narrative character and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":223,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[3030,3397],"class_list":["post-40470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-josephcampbell","tag-dlgp04","cohort-dlgp04"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40470","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/223"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40470"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40470\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40471,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40470\/revisions\/40471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40470"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}