MONDAY, JUNE 25
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
Ephesians 6:10 ESV
GLADIATOR: GOD’S GYM
Maximus Decimus Meridius is the main fictional character in the 2000 film Gladiator. At the beginning of the movie, he is giving a speech as he prepares to lead his troops into battle. His motto, which his compatriots repeat back to him before battle is “Strength and Honor.” Throughout the movie, Maximus serves as an excellent example of someone who uses their strength to fight for what’s honorable.
As the Apostle Paul prepares the church at Ephesus for spiritual battle in Ephesians 6, he challenges them to be strong in the Lord. Maybe his motto would be “strength and godly.” Paul knew that Christians would need extraordinary strength to follow Christ. The bad news was they did not have enough strength of their own for the battle ahead. The good news was they could use God’s strength and His might.
When was the last time you felt weak? What is the biggest battle you are currently facing? The Apostle Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:14-16 for the church, “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” Let this be your prayer today.
