Stand firm

Ever feel like you are alone in the battle? The fighting and chaos surround you, and there seems to be no chance of winning. Listen to today’s passage.

I called it the athletic stance. When I coached, it was the first thing I taught. Feet spread apart just a bit wider than the shoulders, knees slightly bent, leaning forward toward the balls of your feet, and both hands open and held out with elbows bent. I lined up the players, had them get in the athletic stance, and then walked down the line, pushing each player’s shoulders. In that posture, you don’t lose your footing; you keep your balance, and you stand firm. And from that position, you can move with agility whether you are a cornerback or a shortstop.

The spiritual battle never ends. Satan doesn’t leave the office and head home. He works day and night, weekends and holidays. He is looking to trip us up whether we are surrounded by people or all alone. As we have seen in the garden and desert temptation encounters, he goes after us in times of strength and weakness.

Peter wrote this passage around the time the Roman emperor, Nero, was persecuting Christians. Many followers of Jesus were led to the Roman Colosseum to be mauled and torn apart by lions. Peter used that relevant picture to remind Christians that Satan, our adversary, the one called the devil, the slanderer, seeks to defeat and destroy us.

The enemy is out to get you. Discredit you. Sit you on the sidelines. Destroy you. One of the things we need to talk to our Father about is spiritual protection. We have a dangerous adversary.

Some people like to trust in the tangible things they can see and touch, such as a strong showing of the Dow, a large well-equipped military, a secure retirement, and their political party running the government. This psalm reminds us that the world puts its hope in well-built, fortified chariots pulled by strong, speedy horses. Unfortunately, confidence in the things of the world will always end in failure. But trusting in our God allows us to “rise up and stand firm.”

Can you imagine what would be going through your mind if you knew those persecuting the church would soon arrive in your city? No doubt your heart and mind would be filled with anxiety. You would be fearful for yourself, but even more so for your spouse and children. So, Peter wrote two letters to help those facing difficult times to focus their minds on wholesome (pure, unsullied, and sincere) thoughts.

Our passage today is often quoted in the context of apologetics—theology used in the defense or proof of Christianity. Certainly, we should always be prepared to explain the main points of Christianity. At the same time, context ultimately determines meaning. The context here addresses a coming persecution when the recipients of this letter may have to suffer for their faith. Peter exhorts them to stand firm for Christ and be ready to profess him as Lord even in the face of imminent suffering.