One of the best parts of having a raucous five year old son is sharing with him memories and interests from my own childhood. Much of our quality time consists of watching, reading, or role playing whatever superhero he is in the mood for that day.
Besides the absolute enjoyment of spending these moments with Walker, these occasions often give me the opportunity to share life lessons with him regarding good versus evil and self sacrifice. For now, Iron Man is holding a slight lead over his Marvel counterparts Wolverine and Spiderman.
For the comic illiterate, the Iron Man saga revolves around billionaire inventor Tony Stark. He is a suave, sophisticated charmer who seems to have achieved all of the wealth, success, and celebrity status that a man could possibly aspire to.
As if that weren’t nearly enough, Stark has also created a fantastic high tech suit of armor capable of supersonic flight, blasting through solid walls, and firing powerful blasts more than ample to level any foe.
Iron Man has only one vulnerability. His heart was damaged by a shrapnel blast during a battle with enemy forces. Through his scientific expertise and ingenuity Stark is able to remain alive through a rechargeable battery device that he must regularly connect to.
While those who follow Jesus Christ have a higher calling than achieving material prosperity and affluence, there are two very significant lessons that can be gleaned from the Iron Man narrative.
Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17
Unlike the villainous caricatures portrayed in the cartoons and comics, we face an actual, malevolent enemy that opposes God and seeks our unending destruction. It is unfathomable to most of us that God would make available His very own armor as our protective covering.
Instead of the glistening metallic attire worn by Tony Stark, when we embrace Jesus Christ as our Forgiver and Leader we are given spiritual weapons intended not only to defend us from hostility but to be vehemently wielded in perpetual combat. Notice in the verses above that there is no armor provided for the back – ours is an aggressive, forward position.
Lest we begin to believe our own press clippings as we grow in our faith and experience victory, we must also maintain contact with our Source in order to stay animate. For all of Stark’s outward successes and inward motivations, death is certain if he fails to recharge in time.
Jesus states in John 15:5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. While Iron Man must revitalize his heart with twenty first century technology, our hearts have to stay replenished through steady relationship with Jesus Himself.
It is unbelievable fun vanquishing imaginary adversaries as Walker’s sidekick. One day he will exchange his foam and plastic costume for an authentic suit of armor that the very gates of hell cannot stand against.
Come to think of it, perhaps it’s about time some of us adults do the same.
Ryan Revolution