‘Tis the Season to be Wary
Now that the number of new COVID cases are down to single digits, the clear and present danger Victorians everywhere now face are: magpies.
Whether it’s waving a stick above your head or installing cable ties on your helmet, every Australian needs a coping mechanism for these territorial treetop terrors.
According to Australian Geographic, research shows that most of these aggressive swoopers are daddy magpies trying to keep their nests safe. They target specific individuals and have incredible long-term memories and so can continue attacking a specific individual years later (terrified yet?).
The best way, says experts, to protect yourself from swooping birds is to avoid venturing into their territory. The Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has kindly provided an updated Magpie map: https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swooping-birds.
I confirmed its accuracy by checking the map where I saw a magpie swoop a little girl on a bike today. Sure enough, an ominous black feathery shadow is stamped there.
Vigilance and knowledge can go a long way in keeping you safe.
Do not tempt fate by going near known nesting trees during this beautiful springtime.
Speaking of temptation, I was struck by the thought that we are too relaxed about the real threats to our well-being.
1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Mark 14:37,38 “Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
1 Peter 4:7,8 “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Ephesians 6:13-18 “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
God has given us a clear strategy for our souls:
- Know your boundaries – know where the enemy’s territories are (and where you are vulnerable) and stay away from those temptations .
- Submit to God. When Micah was scared of the magpies, Roy said to him, “Stay near me and I will keep you safe.” Micah then cheerfully gave his stick to me (who eagerly took it), trusting that he was in good hands. If we are hanging out with God, the devil flees from us.
- Be aware of the signs of the times – springtime is when the magpies swoop; the Second Coming of Jesus is near. “But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short” (Rev 12:12).
- Pray always – prayer keeps us connected to God, able to hear His warnings and advice. Pray for each other.
- Stay connected – The Magpie experts recommend traveling in a group if possible. What a great metaphor for the church community as we journey together through spiritual battlefields.
- Guard your heart – be careful what you devote your time, effort, and attention to – does it pass the Phil 4:8 test?
- Put on the full armour of God – including the shoes of service, the shield of faith and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Every piece of armour helps keep us safe.
- Love deeply – for “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Love God with all your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). The world really needs more love right now.
Above all, we do not have to be afraid of magpies, temptations or trials if we remember that we are not alone; “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (or the shadow of wings), I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
Jesus has promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His presence is all we need to endure anything life, or springtime, throws at us.
Stay safe, everyone.
by: Jinha Kim
"But those who drink the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14