Yesterday was the 96th birthday of an American icon. Known as Braccio di Ferro (“Iron Arm”) in Italy, Karl Alfred in Sweden, and Skipper Skraek (“Terror of the Sea”) in Denmark, we know him simply as Popeye. His full name is Popeye the Sailor Man.
It was on this day in 1929 that Popeye made his first appearance in the comic strip “Thimble Theatre.” Created by Elzie Crisler (E.C) Segar, Popeye was only meant to be a bit character. The main character in Thimble Theatre was Olive Oyl. However, Popeye’s popularity quickly soared and soon, the comic strip was changed simply to Popeye. And today is National Popeye Day.
While it may seem strange to make such a big deal out of a comic strip character, we have to consider how others view Popeye.
“Popeye is the seeming underdog with bulging forearms, a mean uppercut, and a love of canned spinach. He is a defender of the weak and protector of those he loves. As the embodiment of strength and fitness, Popeye inspires us all to work hard, care for others, be persistent, and stay strong to the finish…
“Popeye’s personality is like no other. He is unassuming and self-assured. Behind the tough exterior and one-eyed squint, he is a kind-hearted sailor who always goes above and beyond to help those in need. Even though his forearms bulge with superhuman strength, it’s his determined sense of loyalty and justice that allow
s him to overcome any challenge.
“Popeye is a clean ocean advocate and ambassador for ocean conservation and clean up organization known as The SeaCleaners.
“Good Housekeeping’s Nutrition Lab awarded Popeye the “Good Housekeeping Nutritionist Approved Emblem” in their January/February 2024 issue to celebrate his decades-long commitment to healthy eating, fitness as well as his efforts in ocean conservation. Popeye is the first “person” to receive this honor.”1
Popeye is known for the lyrics of his theme song.
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man, I’m Popeye the Sailor Man;
I’m strong to the finich cause I eats me spinach;
I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.
How many of you automatically added the “Toot, Toot” at the end? Go ahead and admit it and say with Popeye, “I y’am what I y’am.”
As a Christian, we should have a lot of Popeye’s characteristics. We should be the defender of the weak and protector of others. One of the greatest examples of this is found in Matthew 25:34-40.
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (35) For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (36) Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (37) Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? (38) When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? (39) Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? (40) And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
This passage is frequently misused to justify social outreach programs. This is NOT the context of the passage. This is happening at the end of the Tribulation Period. Those who were hungry, naked, strangers, and imprisoned is talking about the Jews would be saved during the Tribulation Period. Those who cared for them in this time of need are called the righteous and they are invited into the Millennial kingdom.
However, the passage does show us that some of the telling characteristics of Christian character is that we care about others. James 2:14-17 reminds us, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Genuine, saving faith works. It’s that simple. And it will show itself in many of the ways that were built into a comic book character. Best of all, you won’t have to gulp down a can of that nasty, slimy spinach to do it. You have the strength of the Holy Spirit living in you to accomplish all that God has called you to do.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
1https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/popeye-the-sailor-man-day-january-17
Images are taken from https://pixabay.com/, https://www.pexels.com/, or https://unsplash.com/images or created in Windows Copilot. According to the websites, they are Royalty Free and free to be used for our purposes.
