Yesterday I watched a few episodes of the new Ultraman anime on Netflix. Ultraman was originally a kaiju-show in Japan featuring suit-actors in the same vain as Godzilla. I saw a few episodes of the original years ago after a friend gave me a DVD so this piqued my interest.
In this new anime it has been many years since Ultraman was seen around Japan. You see Ultraman was the combination of a “Being of Light” that was an extraterrestrial combining with a human named Hayata. As Ultraman he would protect the Earth from alien invasion but then the attacks had ceased and the Being of Light left. Hayata has passed on the “Ultraman factor” to his son, Shinjiro, who joins up with the Science Patrol (SSSP) to fight alien threats and sometimes help with normal issues. With the absence of the Being of Light, they need armor suits to fight.
This relationship between the Being of Light and Hayata reminds me of God at work in and through us. Jesus tells us in John 15 that we should remain in Him and that he would remain in us. Philippians tells us that we “…can do all things through Him who strengthens us.” He calls us to His mission and empowers us. God does seem to have a more personal relationship with us than the Being of Light had with Hayata.
Early on in episode 2, as Shinjiro is still learning his powers, Hayata is in a battle with an alien. His power suit gets damaged. There is a stark difference between the dubbing version and the subbed version (for some reason my Netflix had both on). In fact there are many differences (including that the dubbing does not swear as much as the subs). The dubbed version said something to the affect of “his suit is inactive” while the dubbed version says “he is fighting in the flesh”.
Ephesians 5 tells us to “put on the full armor of God…” You see, we have a choice of fighting “in the Spirit” or “in the flesh”. We will be fighting either way, but do we rely on Jesus? Do we seek His guidance or pray for those around us? Or do you try and do everything on your own power?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in allyour waysacknowledge Him,and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Yes, you should watch Ultraman. It is great. But more importantly, remember to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. You can’t do everything alone and He is the best help you can get. Walking with Jesus will always make you ultra.