Rambo, Heroes and Fools

by Brad Flynn

In Thailand, John Rambo is living peacefully capturing snakes and transporting people and cargo in an old boat. But when he joins a group of mercenaries to venture into war-torn Burma, and rescue a group of Christian aid workers who were kidnapped by the ruthless local infantry unit. Rambo refuses, but is convinced by another member, Sarah Miller, to take them up there. When the aid workers are captured by the Burmese army, Rambo decides to venture alone into the war zone to rescue them. (Review of Rambo 4) 1

John Rambo has been a Hollywood hero for the past 26 years. Actor Sylvester Stallone starred as a ex-Green Beret, Vietnam Veteran in the hit movie Rambo: First Blood back in 1982. Three movies later, the 2008 release of Rambo 4 has already grossed over $150 million dollars worldwide in movie and DVD sales.

The longevity and popularity of this movie series suggests that Rambo is 'the man'! A tough, strong guy, who can fight for what is right AND do it all by himself - the ultimate hero!

For centuries, boys and men have admired the man that fights for justice, and in the face of adversity, triumphs over the evil enemy. But today, Hollywood and the media have added that the hero is a lone warrior, someone who doesn't need anyone else and can handle it all by himself.

But talk to any real war heroes, from World War 1, World War 2, Vietnam, Iraq - and they will tell you that this idea of an 'all-by-himself' hero is a ridiculous idea. They will tell you that success in battle comes from working together with other men and relying on each other to overcome the enemy. They will tell you that 'going solo' is often a quick path to going home in a body bag.

Today Aussie culture glorifies the guy that wins or gets to the top without anyone's help (even though when they receive the award or accolades, they will thank numerous people for their help along the way!).

But this mentality of, "I'm ok, I can do it by myself, I don't need anyone else's help…" is a quick path to strained relationships, poor mental health and a contributing factor to why Australia has one of the highest male suicide rates in the Western world.

An ancient proverb from one of the wisest men in history says,

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. 2

The world needs heroes - and God invites you to be a hero and join Him in making this world a better place.

But are you trying to be a solo-hero - or perhaps should I say solo-fool? Are you trying to do it all by yourself? Has anyone got your back? Who are the two or three guys in your life that you can rely on and depend on? Have you asked them to fight with you and for you?

Rambo might be 'the man' in Hollywood, but Jesus is 'The Man'. And Jesus wasn't afraid to ask for help. Jesus told His mates what was on His mind, what upset Him and He asked them for support when He needed it. 3

If you want to be a hero, rather than a fool, be wise enough to ask some mates to help you be the hero Jesus calls you to be.

References
1. Anthony Pereyra, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462499/plotsummary
2. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (New Living Translation)
3. Mark 14:32-42