SpOL054 COURAGEOUS OR COWARD FOR CHRIST

SpOL054 COURAGEOUS OR COWARD FOR CHRIST?

Did you ever watch the movie “Spartacus”?

There is a famous scene in the film that is based on an historical event.

Spartacus, you might remember, was a slave who led a rebellion against the oppression of the Roman Empire. He had two major victories but eventually the Roman army, led by General Marcus Crassus, defeated the rebels and surrounded the thousand or so survivors.

Crassus then announced to the captured rebels that all of them would be spared the sentence of crucifixion if only they would identify and hand over Spartacus, whom the Roman leaders had never seen face-to-face.

After a deafening silence Spartacus stood up and declared, “I am Spartacus.” A moment later, the rebel next to him stood up and said, “I am Spartacus.”

Then, one by one, all the rebels got to their feet and shouted, “I am Spartacus.” In the end, all of them were crucified.

Certainly the story has been embellished by Hollywood. But even so, it’s an inspiring testament to the loyalty of followers being willing to stand up for their leader.

I’m sure you know the old hymn, “Stand up, stand up, for Jesus.” It’s a noble sentiment, and most of us would like to think that we do that. But how many of us are really willing to “stand up” for Jesus?

One of Jesus’ closest friends and disciples, Peter, was absolutely sure of his loyalty. Just before Jesus was arrested, Peter told him (Matt 26:33-35):

“Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will."

“I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

But Peter declared. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you,”

Well, you know how that story ended. When Jesus was arrested, those who had so vigorously promised to support him to the end denied him or ran away and watched from a safe distance.

But let’s not be too critical. Would we have been any different? We like to hope we would have, but in moments of weakness, there are times when we really don’t “stand up and be counted.”

It might not be a life or death matter. It could be as simple as telling the truth. Or standing by a principle, or resisting a temptation. It might be refusing to go along with the crowd when the crowd is doing something we know is wrong, or it could be failing to tell others of Jesus’ goodness when an opportunity presents itself.

No one likes to be thought of as different. But being a follower of Jesus means identifying with Jesus and letting him shape how we think and live. That might mean there are times when we have to be willing to stand up for what we believe, no matter what the consequences.

We are all willing to sing “Stand up, stand up, for Jesus.” But doing it can often be another matter. Peter had trouble at first, but eventually he became the rock Jesus intended him to be.

We might be having trouble too, but as we grow in Jesus with the Holy Spirit’s help, our actions will eventually be consistent with our hearts.

I’m Joseph Tkach, Speaking of LIFE.