This morning I had the urge to put the movie Braveheart in and watch the speech that William Wallace (played by Mel Gibson) gave before the battle at Stirling. This particular speech stirs something in me every time I see it.
This is the first major battle between the Scottish army and England. It's interesting to watch the faces of the Scots as they survey the British army taking position. They are outnumbered three to one, and are looking at being ridden over by a three hundred heavy horse cavalry. It is no wonder that the Scottish men begin to break ranks and start for home. One of the noblemen rides over and begins to hollar at the men saying, "Men! Do not flee! Wait until we've negotiated!" It is at this point in the movie where William Wallace and his men ride up and take command of the situation.
Now, a couple of years ago at a men's weekend, we were shown this clip from the movie. What made it different, and I think has been the deciding factor of why I love this clip so much, is that we were told to watch the scene as if we were one of the Scottish men in the army, leaderless, fearful and wanting to quit. We were then told to view William Wallace as Jesus riding up and calling to us. I must tell you, I walked away that night really stoked to be a part of God's Kingdom and ready to face the forces of the enemy.
Here is the transcript of that speech, with a few minor adjustments to help you visualize Jesus as the man on horseback calling up the faithful:
(Jesus and his men ride up to the religious leaders.)
Stephen: The Almighty says this must be a fashionable fight. It's drawn the finest people.
Religious Leader (To Jesus): Where is thy salute?
Jesus: For presenting yourselves on this battlefield, I give you thanks.
Religious Leader: This is our army. To join it you give homage.
Jesus: I give homage to God and His Kingdom. And if this is your army, why does it go?
Wearied Believer: We didn't come here to fight for them.
Young Believer: Home. The demonic forces are too many.
Jesus: Sons of God, I am Jesus Christ.
Young Believer: Jesus Christ is 7 feet tall.
Jesus: Yes, I've heard. He kills demons by the hundreds, and if he were here he'd consume the demonic forces with fireballs from his eyes and bolts of lightning from his fingertips. I am Jesus Christ, and I see a whole army of my brothers here in defiance of evil. You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do with that freedom? Will you fight?
Wearied Believer: Fight against that? No, we will run, and we will live.
Jesus: Aye, fight and you may die, run and you'll live. At least a while. And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom?! The Lord Reigns!
(The believers cheer "The Lord Reigns!" repeatedly)
So my question to you today is this, "What will you do with your freedom? Will you fight?" There is a world of hurting people, held captive by the enemy. They are captives of this invisible war between the forces of evil and our God. They are looking for a Savior, and those of us who are children of God, and brothers of Jesus must lead them there. I read a quote from Charles Spurgeon that I think applies here, it says;If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.
Fighting the fight, until I see His face!
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