During our family's recent trip to Texas, one of the tourist stops we made was at the Alamo in San Antonio. The restored church is the original building which still stands in the middle of a complex adorned with green trees, plaques, artefacts, and a gift shop. The Alamo was a historical place of interest as my middle name found its inspiration from William B. Travis, a Lieutenant Colonel and rebel commander who was willing to die to defend it.
After the fall of the Alamo by the courageous who refused to surrender to General Santa Ana and the Mexican army, "Remember the Alamo!" became a rallying cry by rebels who continued the fight. Remembering the courage and resolve of the departed and their violent deaths for the cause ultimately resulted in Texan independence. Quoting from a website, "The Alamo defenders remind us "why people fight for an ideal," says Alamo tour guide Rosemary Mitchell. "They cared to fight for what they believe in, no matter the cost." William Travis who is credited with the statement in a letter, "Victory or death," and this sort of determination and courage should mark faithful followers of Jesus Christ - but manifested in a very different way. We are not called to take up musket or sabre against our enemies but to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to don the whole armour of God, and to wield the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Like Sam Houston famously led his troops with "Remember the Alamo!" we ought to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The death of Christ is a demonstration of His undying love for us; His resurrection from the dead proves beyond doubt His power over sin and death. It shows Jesus Christ can provide the eternal life and enduring rest He offers. Remembering the Alamo motivated men to fight with all their might because of a heroic defeat, but when Christians remember Christ's death and resurrection it urges us to persevere through all difficulties because of His victory. To the world it seemed a fatal defeat on Calvary when Jesus breathed His last, yet the empty tomb and eye-witness accounts of Christ glorified reveals the certain future and ability to overcome granted to all who trust in Him.
"Remember the resurrection!" is a worthy battle cry, and this battle is not waged against flesh and blood: it is a spiritual battle which takes place in our minds and hearts. There are many temptations we will face to surrender to discouragement or sin instead of our righteous Saviour in faith. There is no hope for this wicked world, but there is salvation for every person who repents and trust in Jesus. How encouraging it is for Christians to know we are not alone in our battles but Jesus is with us and has overcome. People may call us losers for pressing on - and we may feel like losers (and let's face it, we are losers by ourselves) - but we are granted strength for the day and victory by God's grace. Even when the battle is fierce there is rest for the weary in Jesus.
After the fall of the Alamo by the courageous who refused to surrender to General Santa Ana and the Mexican army, "Remember the Alamo!" became a rallying cry by rebels who continued the fight. Remembering the courage and resolve of the departed and their violent deaths for the cause ultimately resulted in Texan independence. Quoting from a website, "The Alamo defenders remind us "why people fight for an ideal," says Alamo tour guide Rosemary Mitchell. "They cared to fight for what they believe in, no matter the cost." William Travis who is credited with the statement in a letter, "Victory or death," and this sort of determination and courage should mark faithful followers of Jesus Christ - but manifested in a very different way. We are not called to take up musket or sabre against our enemies but to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to don the whole armour of God, and to wield the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Like Sam Houston famously led his troops with "Remember the Alamo!" we ought to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The death of Christ is a demonstration of His undying love for us; His resurrection from the dead proves beyond doubt His power over sin and death. It shows Jesus Christ can provide the eternal life and enduring rest He offers. Remembering the Alamo motivated men to fight with all their might because of a heroic defeat, but when Christians remember Christ's death and resurrection it urges us to persevere through all difficulties because of His victory. To the world it seemed a fatal defeat on Calvary when Jesus breathed His last, yet the empty tomb and eye-witness accounts of Christ glorified reveals the certain future and ability to overcome granted to all who trust in Him.
"Remember the resurrection!" is a worthy battle cry, and this battle is not waged against flesh and blood: it is a spiritual battle which takes place in our minds and hearts. There are many temptations we will face to surrender to discouragement or sin instead of our righteous Saviour in faith. There is no hope for this wicked world, but there is salvation for every person who repents and trust in Jesus. How encouraging it is for Christians to know we are not alone in our battles but Jesus is with us and has overcome. People may call us losers for pressing on - and we may feel like losers (and let's face it, we are losers by ourselves) - but we are granted strength for the day and victory by God's grace. Even when the battle is fierce there is rest for the weary in Jesus.
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