“Now
that the Scotch were fairly drawn up in order of battle, the English could see
how small was their number in comparison to their own, and the king in surprise
exclaimed to Sir Ingram de Umfraville:
“What! Will yonder Scots fight us?”
“That verily they will,” the knight replied, for he had
many a time been engaged in stout conflict with them, and knew how hard it was
even for mail-clad knights to break through the close line of Scottish spears…”
– G.A. Henty, In Freedom’s Cause
It was the Battle of Bannockburn. King Edward was there in person
to command the English - which was a rare occurrence indeed. Robert Bruce was
leading the Scottish troops and we all listened with baited breath.
G.A. Henty's account of the Scottish wars was always a favourite in our house. My siblings and I couldn’t help
but admire the noble Scots. They were an army of common people who had left their homes to fight for freedom - freedom that had been theirs for centuries. They were outnumbered, largely untrained, and lacking in resources and yet they conducted themselves with honour, courage, and perseverance. Their patriotism was unmatched. Their bravery unwavering. But what would be their end?
We glanced anxiously at the remaining pages, fearing that they were too few to adequately conclude the story of a campaign that had lasted so many years.
We glanced anxiously at the remaining pages, fearing that they were too few to adequately conclude the story of a campaign that had lasted so many years.
I used to
wish I lived in Scotland in those times. That I could have met those brave men and
shared in their fight. I still do. But nowadays, I find myself engaged in the exploits of another war. One that
reminds me much of the Scots', except that its backdrop
is not grassy hills and thick forests but rather the inner workings of my own
soul.
My sinful nature, the
alluring pleasures of the world, and the Devil are no less powerful opponents
than the English were. They are determined to rule this little territory - my soul - even though it already has a
rightful ruler.
So, I share in the Scot’s
battle for freedom. I share also in their weakness, for the little good that is
in me is outnumbered, under-trained, and lacking in resources.
When I think about the strength of my own soul, when I imagine how
it would appear if drawn up in order of battle, it isn’t hard to see why the
enemy looks upon me with disdain. Satan must often feel the same surprise that
King Edward voiced as he looked down upon the ranks of Scots and deemed them
altogether pitiable.
“What! Will yonder Scots fight us?”
Our enemy knows his strength and he deems us nothing in comparison
to it. Many of us would agree with that estimation. We have failed in battle
enough times to recognise how outmatched we are. Thus, the temptation to
despair greets us even before we have begun to fight. The enemy hopes we will
just give up, turn, and beg him for mercy.
But as I think of the Scots I am reminded that though they were
badly outmatched they were not defeated. I so love Sir Ingram’s response to
King Edward’s question. “Yes, verily they will,” That statement always
causes me to smile. I can’t help but feel proud of the Scots even though I have
never met them.
Those simple people proved time and again that one doesn't have to
cower before an enemy that is stronger than you. What was it
that enabled the Scots to have such courage? To fight in the face of such
insurmountable odds?
Well, as the story goes on it answers those questions:
“As the armies stood
confronting each other in battle array a priest passed along the Scottish
front, crucifix in hand, exhorting all to fight to the death for the liberty of
their country. As he passed along the line each company knelt in an attitude of
prayer. King Edward, seeing this, exclaimed to Sir Ingram:
“See yonder folk kneel to ask for mercy!”
“Aye sire,” the knight said, looking earnestly at the Scots, “they
kneel and ask for mercy, but not of you; it is for their sins they ask mercy of
God. I know these men, and have met and fought them, and I tell you that
assuredly they will win or die, and not even when death looks them in the face
will they turn to fly.” – G.A. Henty, In Freedom’s Cause
When I stand before my enemies and find myself tempted to despair
I have a choice to make. How will I respond?
My enemy expects me to come and seek mercy from him. His entire
goal is to prove to me that I cannot withstand him and must, sooner or later,
submit myself to his rule.
In a way he is right. I cannot withstand him. He is stronger than
I am. Truly, the Scots had no choice but to kneel and ask for mercy and neither
do we. We do not, however, ask for mercy from the enemy. Rather we kneel before
our Lord, the rightful ruler of our souls. We ask His forgiveness and we place
the outcome of the battle squarely in His hands. Then we rise and fight.
My prayer this week, for myself and for each of you, is that it
might be said of us as it was of the Scots, “that assuredly they will win or
die, and not even when death looks them in the face will they turn to fly.”
May we not fall short of that simple, unwavering courage that the Scots boasted
for that courage comes from a simple, unwavering faith in the Lord of battles.
In Christ
quiana