What do Marvel’s Iron Man, Star Wars’s Mandalorian, and Narnia’s High King Peter all have in common? (I’ll give you a hint. It’s in the title.)
Each of these fictional characters frequently enter into what you might call “high risk” situations. Whether it involves challenging the White Witch, fighting off the Empire and Moff Gideon, or taking on Thanos, these heroes recognized the value of protective armor. The material from which armor is constructed is paramount to its integrity. Tony Stark engineered a gold-titanium alloy for the Iron Man armor, and the Mandalorian relied on forged Beskar. Both materials are known for their strength and ability to absorb major impacts unscathed. High King Peter’s sword and shield were exceptional gifts from Father Christmas, whose power had returned as the White Witch began to weaken. Father Christmas heavily emphasized that the sword and shield were tools, not toys, and never to be taken lightly.
“Peter, Adam’s Son,” said Father Christmas.
“Here, sir,” said Peter.
“These are your presents,” was the answer, “and they are tools, not toys. The time to use them is perhaps near at hand. Bear them well.” With these words he handed to Peter a shield and a sword. The shield was the color of silver and across it there ramped a red lion, as bright as a ripe strawberry at the moment when you pick it. The hilt of the sword was of gold and it had a sheath and a sword belt and everything it needed, and it was just the right size and weight for Peter to use. Peter was silent and solemn as he received these gifts, for he felt they were a very serious kind of present.
C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe
As Christ-followers, we too have been gifted armor (see Ephesians 6:10-17). This armor is of the spiritual kind. The breastplate is made of righteousness and the shield, from faith. These are stronger than any physical (or fictional) metal. Our feet are fitted with the gospel of peace. Our helmet is salvation, our belt is truth, and our sword is the Spirit, the Word of God. These too, are a “very serious kind of present” to be received with solemnity.
Our “high risk” situations may not involve Thanos or light sabers, but when we chose to be identified with Christ, we painted a target on our backs for the most cunning enemy of all: the devil. However, his flaming arrows can do nothing against the armor which our Lord has provided. Yet, our armor is not automatic. We must “armor up” and use the spiritual tools at our disposal. Our Sword does not help us by collecting dust on our bookshelf. It must be polished daily and wielded consistently. Our shield does not protect us unless we first plant the mustard seed and believe in the Lord’s power to grow it. Our belt does not hold us together if we forget to buckle it. Our breastplate will tarnish in the corner instead of guarding our hearts if we allow ourselves to be carnally-minded. Instead, we must hold in high esteem that which is honorable, true, excellent, and praiseworthy. We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Our task is far more daunting than anything our fictional heroes faced. We must live as warriors of faith and light in an apathetic, darkened world. The hero’s journey is not for the faint of heart, and neither is the Christian’s walk along the narrow road which leads to life.
The time to use your armor is near at hand. Bear it well, dear one.
Grace and Peace,
A. A. Wordsmith
References:
Lewis, C. S. (1950). The lion, the witch and the wardrobe. London, UK. Geoffrey Bles/The Bodley Head.
Adamson, A. (Director). (2005). The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe. Walt Disney Studios.
Favreau, Jon. (Creator). (2019-2020). The Mandalorian. Walt Disney Studios.
Favreau, Jon. (Director). (2008). Iron Man. Marvel Studios.
Selah Vie! 