By R.A. Mathews

President Trump announced on Monday that he’s establishing a sixth branch of the military—a space force. One goal is intelligence, but the idea of weaponizing space is huge. Clearly, powerful weapons win wars, and Trump knows we must push the envelope—be there first.

It’s always been so.

The atomic bomb unleashed its fury, ending World War II in the Pacific. The Allies also pushed forward with experimental weapons against Hitler. Many know President Kennedy’s older brother, a navy pilot, died during World War II. But most don’t know his death involved a “drone.”

These early drones were unmanned, out-of-service B-17 and B-24 bombers packed with thousands of pounds of explosives. A second plane would follow the unmanned bomber, guiding it to a German target.

The problem at the outset was that the Allies didn’t have the technology to get the bombers off the ground. That’s where Kennedy came in—he volunteered to pilot one of these makeshift drones into the sky and then parachute with his co-pilot into the English Channel. A waiting ship would be there to pick up the two men.

What happened? The plane exploded mid-air. These early drones were developed in the field, and there wasn’t time for needed testing.

But God had stunningly powerful drones over 3,000 years before WWII. I bet you didn’t know that.

As I said, powerful weapons win wars and these drones won two battles of immense importance, which would shape the Hebrews’ future. Yet for some reason this weaponry is practically a secret in the Bible.

The famous battles happen after God’s people leave Egypt but are still in the wilderness. Moses asks King Sihon, who’s aligned with King Og, for permission to cross his Amorite land.

“Well, no,” Sihon says. He isn’t having it, and the fierce Amorite armies are impossible to beat.

What happens next?

Listen, the Hebrews weren’t warriors—they were slaves who made bricks. They also weren’t brave. Remember when the Egyptian army came after them? God’s people were trembling in the sand. And when it comes time to invade the Promised Land, they want to go back to slavery.

But God strengthened Moses, and the Hebrews march right across Amorite land, defeating both Sihon and Og. It’s a shining moment in Israel’s history—one that the Psalms repeatedly celebrate. And it will smooth the Israelites’ path as they conquer Canaan. In other words, the Canaanites are terrified of them.

Consider Rahab. When two Hebrew spies arrive in the Canaanite city of Jericho, this prostitute hides them saying, “We have heard…what you did to…Sihon and Og and…our hearts melted.” She’s determined to be on the right side of a Hebrew-Canaanite battle.

What do you bet those spies flexed their muscles saying, “We are warriors, hear us roar!”

Uh—except they weren’t.

How then did the Hebrews beat the mighty Amorites? Powerful weapons win wars—God brought forth His terrible, self-propelled, killer drones. Hand over my heart, I’m telling you the truth!

As I said, this secret weaponry is scarcely mentioned in the Bible. In fact, when you read about Sihon and Og in the 4^th and 5^th books of the Bible the truth never comes out. It’s not until the 6^th book, “Joshua,” that God reminds His people not to forget what He’s done for them. Here’s the verse: “[Sihon and Og were] driven out, but not by your sword or your bow.” Joshua 24:12 ESV

So how were the fierce Amorite armies defeated? Have you ever stumbled upon a hornet’s nest? It’s time to run, right? That’s what happened. God sent swarms of hornets to defeat the Amorites. “I sent the hornet before you which drove out [Sihon and Og]…” Joshua 24:12

Those killer drones were effective.

As important as national defense is with this new space force, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain remind us that battles are also fought within. God is always with you; a “present help in time of trouble.” If life ever feels hopeless—whether it’s your health, relationships, finances—look to God and read Scripture: Joshua 1:5,8,9; Isaiah 41:10-13; John 14:27; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 23.

Powerful weapons will always win wars. The most powerful is Christ.

 

© 2018 R.A. Mathews The Rev. R.A. Mathews is an attorney, columnist, and the author of “Reaching to God: Great Truths From The Bible.”