There is a restaurant in my neighborhood that serves exceptionally good Mexican food.
I also like going there because of its really unique atmosphere.
There are several murals painted on the walls.
There are also some interesting pictures as well.
One of the first things you will notice when you sit down is that one of the murals, and many of the pictures, are of one man in particular,
That man is General Emiliano Zapata.
Zapata was a key figure in the Mexican Revolution which took place in the early 1900’s.
Although he died a violent death in 1919, he still maintains a rather heroic status.
The mural of Zapata in this restaurant also has a phrase that has become synonymous with the General.
The English translation reads, "It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees."
Every time I go there and read these words, I am forced to consider two things,
First, Zapata used this phrase to inspire those around him in the Mexican Revolution.
Second, as a Christian, I find myself involved in a different kind of revolution.
Ephesians 6:12 (NET) - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
As this is a different kind of struggle, it is clear that a different strategy is required.
This is the kind of struggle in which it is to our great advantage to fight on our knees.
Dr. Charles Stanley said it best when he said, "Fight your battles on your knees, and you will win every time."
Sound advice.
Scripture bears this out.
Remember, we do not fight our battles on own.
Just before Moses parted the Red Sea, he reminded the people of this.
Exodus 14:14 (NET) - The LORD will fight for you, and you can be still.
David, in his epic encounter with Goliath, also had the right mind set,
1 Samuel 17:45 (NET) - But David replied to the Philistine, "You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defiled!
A young David armed with a simple shepherd’s sling and with God on his side emerged victorious.
The prophet Isaiah offers us more proof.
Isaiah 45:23-25 (NET) - I solemnly make this oath - what I say is true and reliable: ‘Surely every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will solemnly affirm; they will say about Me, "Yes, the LORD is a powerful deliverer."’ All who are angry at Him will cower before Him. All the descendants of Israel will be vindicated by the LORD and will boast in Him.
When you have God as your general and the battle is upon you, it does not take long to figure out that being on your knees is an excellent place to be.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com
I also like going there because of its really unique atmosphere.
There are several murals painted on the walls.
There are also some interesting pictures as well.
One of the first things you will notice when you sit down is that one of the murals, and many of the pictures, are of one man in particular,
That man is General Emiliano Zapata.
Zapata was a key figure in the Mexican Revolution which took place in the early 1900’s.
Although he died a violent death in 1919, he still maintains a rather heroic status.
The mural of Zapata in this restaurant also has a phrase that has become synonymous with the General.
The English translation reads, "It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees."
Every time I go there and read these words, I am forced to consider two things,
First, Zapata used this phrase to inspire those around him in the Mexican Revolution.
Second, as a Christian, I find myself involved in a different kind of revolution.
Ephesians 6:12 (NET) - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
As this is a different kind of struggle, it is clear that a different strategy is required.
This is the kind of struggle in which it is to our great advantage to fight on our knees.
Dr. Charles Stanley said it best when he said, "Fight your battles on your knees, and you will win every time."
Sound advice.
Scripture bears this out.
Remember, we do not fight our battles on own.
Just before Moses parted the Red Sea, he reminded the people of this.
Exodus 14:14 (NET) - The LORD will fight for you, and you can be still.
David, in his epic encounter with Goliath, also had the right mind set,
1 Samuel 17:45 (NET) - But David replied to the Philistine, "You are coming against me with sword and spear and javelin. But I am coming against you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel’s armies, whom you have defiled!
A young David armed with a simple shepherd’s sling and with God on his side emerged victorious.
The prophet Isaiah offers us more proof.
Isaiah 45:23-25 (NET) - I solemnly make this oath - what I say is true and reliable: ‘Surely every knee will bow to Me, every tongue will solemnly affirm; they will say about Me, "Yes, the LORD is a powerful deliverer."’ All who are angry at Him will cower before Him. All the descendants of Israel will be vindicated by the LORD and will boast in Him.
When you have God as your general and the battle is upon you, it does not take long to figure out that being on your knees is an excellent place to be.
Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com
