Blackbirds

This morning on my way to work I witnessed something I have seen several times in my lifetime – a red-winged blackbird attacking a crow as it flew from one place to another. I’m sure you’ve seen that too. Or maybe it was a big hawk flying low, followed by two or three red-winged blackbirds. The birds appear so mean but all the blackbirds are doing really is protecting their nests from would-be predators. We just never see the nests.

The scene of the dive-bombing birds reminded me of the movie Memphis Belle, a story the famed World War II bomber crew of a B-17. The B-17, also known as a Flying Fortress, carried bombs and a crew of brave machine gun wielding men. But, as big and powerful as the B-17 was, it was slow moving and vulnerable to attack by smaller, more nimble fighter planes. Much like those red-winged blackbirds and that crow I was talking about earlier.

Recently, my friend and I were on one of our lunchtime walks on a trail near our work when suddenly, “Whoosh!!”, a red-winged blackbird swooped down, right over our heads. We never saw it coming but after that first attack our heads were on swivels when we passed through that area on our return trip. That’s when I discovered something about red-winged blackbirds. They won’t attack you if you are looking right at them. They only come after us if we are unsuspecting and unprepared. I wonder why that is. Because it's safer for them if they can attack without being seen.

That is just how Satan works. He likes to work in the shadows where no one can see him, where he can go undetected by his next unsuspecting victim. He always excels when no one is watching. That's when he does his best work. He loves to put doubt in the minds of those he is attacking. Take Eve for example. From to book of Genesis . . .

"3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say . . . ?”

He just slithered around the garden, asked leading questions, and placed doubt it Eve's mind. He led her astray and she sinned. How many times will that happen to US today. Will we come under attack when we least expect it? You can count on it! So what do we do when we come under attack from the master of lies? Here's a little first Peter for you this morning . . .

"6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 5:6-11

So as we walk through this world, and we come under attack, shall we cower in fear of what might happen to us? Shall we succumb to the schemes of the father of lies? Where could we possibly find hope in our despair? Who will come to our defense in time of need? Who will stand by our side in whatever battle we may face? Let us turn and face the evil one with Jesus by our side. Let's see how we face our daily attacks with the King of Glory next to us. Who then shall we fear? :)

Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin