We stood on the battle ground of Thermopylae today in front of the monument honoring King Leonidas and the 300 who took their stand here. In the face of a superior force, the king knew he would not return. But his sacrifice and the sacrifice of his men from Sparta would provide the time needed for other Greek forces to prepare for this second invasion from the Persians. And in the end, the next two battles ended that invasion. But only because of this sacrifice, this loss, led by the king.
In a few months, we will stand by the place where the King of Kings took His stand. It was not against a superior force but it was a deadly force. His sacrifice was alone, for only He could make it as the perfect Lamb of God who was taking away the sin of the world. He did not buy time for others to fight this enemy. No one else had the power to do so. He conquered it Himself through paying the debt for our sin through death but raising to life once again through His own power three days later. This King’s name, the name above every name, is Jesus. Hell and scoffers celebrated at His death but shuttered at His resurrection. Satan and death are defeated forever.
The valor of Leonidas is admirable and historic. The obedience and love demonstrated by Jesus in His death and resurrection are unparalleled and eternal. Leonidas bought time that allowed the Greeks to survive for a time but eventually their kingdom that came later passed like all human kingdoms into the annals of history. But the Kingdom established and paid for by the blood of Jesus will never pass away.
The amazing truth is that any and all of us can be a part of this Kingdom, this eternal Kingdom, if we are willing to come. Whosoever will may come, repent of our sin, and find the forgiveness and peace that only He can give. And I encourage anyone who has not done so yet, to come today.
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