Stand...
The previous two posts addressed the first two words in the title of Watchman Nee's book, Sit, Walk, Stand, refering firstly to Ephesians 2:5-6, God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus, and then Ephesians 5:1-2, Follow God's example, therefore as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
This post addresses Stand, the third and final word in the title.
Can you recall where you were on September 11, 2001?
I had just started a management training workshop for a group of employees in the boardroom of the Blacktown, NSW, IGA Distribution Centre. Another employee, looking a little dishevelled and apologetic for being late, came through the door. He explained that he had been up since early morning watching the television coverage of the coordinated terrorist attacks on the USA in New York and Washington DC finishing with a plea to turn on the television in the boardroom. We were dumbstruck by enormity of the events unfolding before our eyes on the television screen.
Almost sixty years earlier the American people had been profoundly shocked by the surprise military attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbour, on the morning of December 7, 1941. The base was attacked by two waves of Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes accounting for over 350 aircraft launched from six aircraft carriers damaging all eight battleships in the harbour with four being sunk.
Just two months later on 19 February 1942 the first and the largest single attack mounted by a foreign power against Australia occurred when over 240 Japanese aircraft bombed ships in Darwin's harbour and the town's two airfields. The town was only lightly defended and heavy losses were inflicted by the Japanese with little cost.
In Ephesians 6:11-15, the Apostle Paul draws on a military analogy of his day to exhort believers, people who have chosen the way of the Christian message:
Paul from his own personal experience does not want us to underestimate the strength of our opposition nor to be caught off guard and he has in mind the preparedness of the Roman soldier, who is fully trained and equipped to withstand the assault of the enemy, when he exhorts us to stand firm.
By the very nature of the sacrifice of Jesus and our acceptance of His work upon the cross we can take hold of our position in Christ - God has seated us on His right side with Christ.
Walk in love each day in gratitude for all that God has done in Christ.
Finally, stand firm in your faith.
This post addresses Stand, the third and final word in the title.
Can you recall where you were on September 11, 2001?
I had just started a management training workshop for a group of employees in the boardroom of the Blacktown, NSW, IGA Distribution Centre. Another employee, looking a little dishevelled and apologetic for being late, came through the door. He explained that he had been up since early morning watching the television coverage of the coordinated terrorist attacks on the USA in New York and Washington DC finishing with a plea to turn on the television in the boardroom. We were dumbstruck by enormity of the events unfolding before our eyes on the television screen.
Almost sixty years earlier the American people had been profoundly shocked by the surprise military attack by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbour, on the morning of December 7, 1941. The base was attacked by two waves of Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes accounting for over 350 aircraft launched from six aircraft carriers damaging all eight battleships in the harbour with four being sunk.
Just two months later on 19 February 1942 the first and the largest single attack mounted by a foreign power against Australia occurred when over 240 Japanese aircraft bombed ships in Darwin's harbour and the town's two airfields. The town was only lightly defended and heavy losses were inflicted by the Japanese with little cost.
In Ephesians 6:11-15, the Apostle Paul draws on a military analogy of his day to exhort believers, people who have chosen the way of the Christian message:
- Put on the whole armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes,
- ...put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand, and again
- Stand firm then,...
Paul from his own personal experience does not want us to underestimate the strength of our opposition nor to be caught off guard and he has in mind the preparedness of the Roman soldier, who is fully trained and equipped to withstand the assault of the enemy, when he exhorts us to stand firm.
Picture: Justin Poole
By the very nature of the sacrifice of Jesus and our acceptance of His work upon the cross we can take hold of our position in Christ - God has seated us on His right side with Christ.
Walk in love each day in gratitude for all that God has done in Christ.
Finally, stand firm in your faith.
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