By Michael E. Brooks

"Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:11,12).

The Sunderbans, which lies partly in Bangladesh and partly in India, is the world's largest mangrove swamp. It is a true jungle environment, and contains many of the few remaining wild Bengal tigers. These tigers continue to be extremely dangerous, and every year several woodcutters and fisherman are killed by them. The tigers are protected by law and the jungle people are rarely armed, so are forced to find other means to defend themselves from attack. One means that is effective is to wear masks resembling human faces on the back of the head. The tiger is by nature an ambusher, relying on stealth to creep close to his intended victim before rushing to the kill. If he believes he is being observed by the victim he often will not attempt an attack, thinking the prey will be able to escape. Thus the mask deceives the tiger, making him think he is being watched, and danger is averted.

The Bible reminds us that Satan is a clever and powerful foe, able to attack from any direction and through a variety of means. We must be prepared for all of his wiles. It is not sufficient to simply wear a mask. He is not that easily fooled. But we are to wear the armor that God provides that is truly able to protect us. Faith, peace, truth, and righteousness not only give us warning of Satan's advances, but also help us to repel his attacks. Our sword, the word of God, is the weapon which allows us to do more than just stand him off. With it he is truly and finally defeated.

No one with any wisdom goes into the Sunderbans unprepared to avoid the attack of tigers. In the same way, no one in this world should be unaware of, and unprepared to face, Satan. He is by far the more powerful and dangerous foe. His attack leads not just to physical death but to "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thes. 1:9). Put on God's armor. Enlist the help of Jesus who "bruised his (Satan's) head" and defeated him for all time. Through him we too are more than conquerors over Satan. We will reign victorious eternally, while Satan perishes in the pit prepared for him and all his followers.