Shooting Arrows At Helicopters

 “A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy 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 every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT

What words can you find to describe the immense disaster caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami? The pictures show unimaginable destruction. The video footage shown over and over on the news channels is nothing short of haunting.

So many captivating stories from this tragedy have been told — stories of rescue, survival, loss, grief, and generosity. No report has been more bizarre than that of the relief helicopter being attacked with bows and arrows. According to numerous reports, the Indian Coastguard helicopter was on a mission to drop emergency supplies to a primitive tribe in a remote area on the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago when the natives emerged and the arrows began flying.

Attacking a helicopter bringing relief? With bows and arrows? What were they thinking? Before we laugh too heartily at the expense of these primitives, we need to take a look at ourselves. How many times do we fire on those, including God, who are trying to help?

A shoulder fired missile would have been more effective, but I guess they were fresh out. So they responded with the only weapons they had — bows and arrows. How similar is that to our efforts to fight the forces of evil with our own feeble resources instead of God’s powerful weaponry? We defend against Satan and attack his forces with our own wisdom, self-discipline, and strength rather than God’s resurrection power. Utter futility. Like shooting arrows at a helicopter!

So when we attack, let’s make sure we are not firing at someone trying to help us. And when we engage the real enemy, let’s use the divine arsenal God has provided for us — truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the word of God, prayer, and the Holy Spirit.

Be strong in the Lord’s mighty power!

— Bob Clark

1/18/2005