RISE UP!

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Stand! Why? What does it mean to stand? Scripture tells us to put on the armor of God “that you may be able to stand” (Ephesians 6:11). We are told to “stand fast in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). These verses and others like them describe a position of strength, to stand against opposition, or a refusal to yield. This meaning of the command to stand is in tune with the Lyrics: I’ll rise up, rise like the day, I’ll rise up, In spite of the ache, I will rise a thousand times again.” God strengthens us for this, to stand up and continue to stand.

Another understanding of stand is about showing honor. In times of worship, the people of God were called upon to “stand up and bless the Lord your God Forever and ever!” (Nehemiah 9:5) The psalmist issues a similar call. “Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him” (Psalm 33:8). Why do you stand up in worship to sing? Is it because you were directed to stand and you are just being compliant? Or, are you standing in honor of our Lord who deserves our honor and praise?

Standing can also be an expression of unity. Moses stood before God’s people and presented God’s covenant. He called for unity when he said, “All of you stand today before the Lord your God; . . . that you may enter into covenant with the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 29: 10-12). The Book of the Revelation presents a beautiful picture of unity in chapter seven. “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9).

Many of us have been appalled at those who dishonor our nation’s flag by refusing to stand during the singing of our national anthem. There is a much more appalling and disgusting display happening in our nation. It is when Christians refuse to stand. When we refuse to be courageous soldiers of the Lord, refuse to openly and publicly honor our King, and when we allow menial, worldly things to divide us instead of being most concerned about eternal things. We must stand up. We must refuse to yield. We must stand together.

I remember whenever the minister of music called the congregation to sing Hymn #415, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus,” he would comment, “we can’t stay seated for this one.” He was right. But, we also can not stay seated for the hymns “Holy, Holy, Holy” or “Rock of Ages” or “Amazing Grace” or any song of praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God.

The words of Jesus to Saul on the road to Damascus, are words for us as well. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness” (Acts 26:15-18). Rise up and stand sister! Rise up and stand brother! Stand up for Jesus you soldiers of the cross!

HELLO BROTHER!

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“My brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier” (Philippians 2:25). There probably is no closer relationship one has than with one who can be described like that. Proverbs 18:24 says, “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Our relationship with our biological brothers and sisters is special, but even more special are those friends who have stood with us through difficult and dangerous times. Epaphroditus gained Paul’s love and respect as one who joined him in service to God as a fellow worker and fellow soldier who, “for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me” (Philippians 2:30).

Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coasties who defended our nation have formed bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood with those they fought beside. They all deserve to be honored and celebrated. In the same way that the experience of military service forms long-lasting friendships, our labor together as fellow believers for the kingdom of God should unite us in mutual respect and love. We are literally brothers and sisters in Christ. We are truly fellow workers and fellow soldiers of the Lord.

I regret that the term “brother” or “sister” in many of our churches is rarely used except as a title for the pastor. I remember when, at least while at church, we called each other that. “Good morning brother John.” “Well, good morning sister Mary.” “It is good to see you sister Mary and all our brothers and sisters here in worship this morning.” I miss those days when we were not ashamed to address each other with that loving acknowledgment of our relationship in Jesus.

Calling each other brother or sister is more than just a title. It is a reminder that we are fellow workers and fellow soldiers. One day Jesus was talking to a crowd of people when His mother and biological brothers arrived to speak with Him. When He was informed they were waiting to see Him, Jesus said, “Who are My mother and My brothers?” What? Jesus answers His own question with an eye-opening, jaw-dropping answer. “He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:49-50).

Perhaps it is not terribly important that we address our fellow believers as brothers or sisters. It is, however, extremely important that we support, affirm, encourage, and honor each other as we walk beside each other in service to our Lord in such a way that we are closer to each other than any other relationship. Our union has eternal consequences. Our service together is a divine calling. Our love for our Lord supersedes all other commitments. We are not just church members. We are family. We are His family.