“In times of tyranny & injustice, when law oppresses people, the outlaw takes his place in history. England, at the turn of the 12th Century was such a time.”
So begins Ridley Scott’s 2010 theatrical epic “Robin Hood”. In it, Russell Crowe plays a yeoman archer, Robin Longstride, in King Richard’s army who, as he flees a failed battlefield, happens upon a dying knight, who exacts a vow from Longstride to return his sword to his aging father.
As Robin and his companions journey to Nottingham to fulfill that vow, Robin discovers an inscription on the sword’s hilt that rings vaguely familiar – though he knows not why. Unknown, is his own past, recalling only the devastating desertion of his father. But the aging Sir Walter Loxley recognizes & remembers the Longstride name and, after testing Robin’s character & finding it true, the old man decides the time is right to return a noble heritage to this drifting warrior.
Too often forgotten is the noble heritage has been granted to all who believe in the risen Lord Jesus. But we are again reminded of this heritage in three key phrases contained in this clip from Scott's mythical tale. Let's briefly focus our sights on these three phrases and the three realities we have been given by the resurrected Christ.
Phrase #1 - "Rise and Rise, Again."
In reference to Christ's conquest of death & the grave, Romans 8:1 begins, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation..."
Reality #1 - WE HAVE VICTORY
This reality is the most commonly recognized inheritance granted by Jesus' resurrection: That anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ will "rise again" to life and not be subject to condemnation to hell for their sins. But this is only partially true. Because Jesus died & rose again to give us more - - So much more!!
Phrase #2 - "Until Lambs Become Lions"
Romans 8:2-3a says, "...Through Christ Jesus the low of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin & death. For what the law was powerless to do...God did..."
Reality #2 - WE HAVE VIGOR
Vigor is strength. Vigor is power. While lambs are known for their gentleness, lions are renowned for their power. Jesus was both lamb & lion, depending on what the situation called for. However, we often do a great disservice to our Lord and our God by over-emphasizing the gentleness & meekness of Christ (His lamb-ness) - - to the neglect &, seemingly, the denial of Jesus' courage & strength (His lion-ness). In doing so, we discount & deny the power & courage that God desires in us & for us. Take a look at Chapters 2 - 4 of Luke's gospel - just a small sampling. Jesus was a man of Courage & Power, hence, by definition, He was a man of Vigor. His resurrection not only proves His power, but it both delivers & demands this same Vigor from those who would follow Him.
And finally,...
Phrase #3 - "Not Dead. Not Now."
Romans 8:13 says, ..."If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live..." Jesus expands upon this idea of living with His own description of His purpose in John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full."
Reality #3 - WE HAVE VITALITY
We who trust Jesus can expect life to be full & adventurous. For an adventure is, by definition, "hazardous action of uncertain outcome." If this is not part of our lives, I've found that it is usually because we are unwilling to embark on any path, if we do not know exactly what the outcome will be. Living in such a way, we become overly cautious & we miss the adventures that God has for us. But for those whowill be led by God's Spirit there will be hazard. There will be uncertainty. There will be adventure! There will be Vitality!
You see, being a follower of Jesus isn't just a list of do's & don'ts to be kept in order to avoid hell. Jesus Christ died to give you life beyond the curtain of physical death - to be sure! But eternal life starts now. And the life God has for you is to be characterized not only by Victory Over Death, but by a Vigorous Strength & Courage, and a Vitality - a Vibrancy - of an Adventurous Life. That's why Jesus died & rose again. That's the life He lived & still lives today. And He is inviting you to join Him!
That's the Challenge!
This is Challenge Pointe.
Semper Fidelis,
Doug
