Iron Man 3


        In Iron Man 3, a terrorist by the name of the Mandarin becomes the worst threat that Tony has faced yet. The Mandarin interrupts national and international broadcasts to claim responsibility for various acts of terror throughout the globe, bringing more psychological terror in the process. Because of Tony’s history in overcoming terrorism, a member of the press decides to ask him when somebody’s going to kill the Mandarin. He responds by making a threat to the terrorist. He is so confident in his threat that he decides to give his full address. Unsurprisingly, the Mandarin attacks Tony at his home and he blacks out. Jarvis, Tony’s AI for his suits, takes him to Tennessee where he learns more information about his enemy, regains his footing, and eventually brings an end to the terrorist threat.


Tony’s predicament in this story is very much like that of Elijah in 1 Kings 18-19. First, God told him to go to King Ahab, a very horribly disobedient king of Israel, and arrange for a time to show all of Israel God’s sovereignty. This show of sovereignty would be the event on Mount Carmel where Elijah mocks Baal and God shows the people that He is the one, true God. When Ahab tells his wife, the Queen Jezebel, a woman even more evil than he, about this she threatens to kill Elijah. In response to this threat, Elijah flees into the wilderness where he becomes deeply depressed. But God provides for his needs by twice providing him food and water and having him sleep. This helps Elijah get back to his bearings and place his focus back on God’s provision instead of Jezebel’s powerful threats.


Tony and Elijah both called out their enemy and their lives were directly threatened. As a result of these threats, they both end up far from the threat whether voluntarily or not. Something significant of note that they have in common is that they both needed to lay low, recharge their batteries, and regain their bearings so that they might be ready to move forward.


What are some current threats to your soul? What holds more of your attention, the power of those threats or the provisions of God? When last did you distance yourself from the threats? Do you need to do so now? When last have you taken time to rest? Do you need to do so now? Will you move on worrying about the threats or resting in God’s provision?



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