Killmonger’s Kingdom of Revenge

I finally got around to watching Black Panther, another superhero movie cranked out by Marvel.  I’m not sure what all the fuss was about…Black Panther was a mildly entertaining hero flick that managed to rake in 1.3 billion dollars, yes…billion with a “b”.  Well done Marvel!  Anyways… In the midst of this mediocrity, I was intrigued by the stark contrast between two rulers: Black Panther and Killmonger.

What is the Foundation for a Godly Throne?

A Father’s Instruction

Image via thewitnessbcc.com

Psalm 45:16 (TPT)  

Your many sons will one day be kings, just like their Father. They will sit on royal thrones all around the world.

With the intentional tutelage of his father, Black Panther learns to govern with integrity.  Black Panther’s decisions are made with the people of Wakanda in mind.  Will this course of action bless Wakanda?  The Black Panther’s entire purpose is to defend Wakanda through governing rightly and battling covertly.  Black Panther’s rule imitates God’s heart for His people.

Psalm 89:14 (TPT)

Your glorious throne rests on a foundation of righteousness and just verdicts. Grace and truth are the attendants who go before you.

The Fatherless

Tragically, Killmonger’s life was void of his dad.  As a child, Killmonger found his murdered father and was abandoned by relatives.

image via http://marvelcinematicuniverse.wikia.com

Killmonger’s loss became a festering wound generating bitterness, rage, and a blood thirsty appetite for retribution.  He longed for power – not to protect people – but to exact revenge on his father’s murderer.  Now, all of Wakanda and the world would feel that pain.

Image via http://www.comingsoon.net

In a rage, Killmonger forced his way to the throne of Wakanda, but it couldn’t last.  A throne built on bloodshed and violence is not sustainable.  Thankfully for Wakanda residents, Black Panther regained rule and restored peace to the African plains.

Here’s the tragedy – Killmonger never learned that vengeance belongs to the Lord (Rom 12:19).  Killmonger didn’t realize that he wasn’t left alone; God was fully aware of his pain and a present, loving Father.

Psalm 10:14 (TPT) 

Lord, I know you see all that they’re doing, noting their each and every deed.  You know the trouble and turmoil they’ve caused.  Now punish them thoroughly for all that they’ve done!  The poor and helpless ones trust in you, Lord, for you are famous for being the helper of the fatherless.  I know you won’t let them down.  

Today, if you are agonizing over a past hurt, let it go!  Trust in the Lord.  Don’t build your life on revenge.  It didn’t work for Killmonger and it won’t work for you either.

Psalm 21:7 (NIV)  

For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken.