The Call to Stand

Leonidas was the King of Sparta in 480 B.C. decided to make a stand with 300 of his best Spartan warriors against the massive Persian army. As the Spartans took their position in the mountain pass at Thermopylae, the Persians sent an envoy to convince the Spartans to not fight. "Our archers are so numerous," said the envoy, "that the flight of their arrows darkens the sun." Leonidas responded "So much the better, for we shall fight them in the shade." Leonidas made his stand, and died with his 300 troops.

The Spartan soldiers set an incredible example of courage and sacrifice in the face of battle. They stood against the Persians and held their ground until they died. Jesus wants to see the same kind of courage and strength in our spiritual life. In our battles we have been called to stand.

Our battle is now new but instead is very old. It began shortly after the dawn of time. It began in a peaceful garden and a lie that would change all of humanity. This war is fought not through physical means but rather through spiritual means and sadly we have forgotten our place is not on the sidelines but on the frontlines. Our battle is not about land, material wealth or anything of that nature. Our fight is for the souls of others all around us each and every day.

As we turn to the scriptures this morning I want to look at one of the battle cry passages of the New Testament, turn with me to Ephesians 6:10-13. We are very familiar with the verses that follow this section of the passage but I think that far too often we miss the charge that the apostle Paul issues to us.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12

Our need in times of battle is courage. The English word courage has its roots in the Middle English word corage and the Anglo French word curage which means from the heart. Courage is an aspect of the heart.