Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace… (Ephesians 6:14-15)
Stand up stand up for Jesus…, was a popular hymn back in those days. Yeah, some have no idea what that is. At 29 years, Dudley Tyng had become a dynamic preacher, great influence and strength in the body of Christ in Pennsylvania. In addition to pastoring his church he was holding a noonday revival service at YMCA Downtown, Philadelphia. Not less than 1000 men committed their lives to Christ out of over 5000 that attended on March 30, 1858. His undying desire to tell the “Master’s errand” and bring people to the feet of the cross was compelling.
Not many days after this revival, he was involved in an accident on a farm he visited. His arm got stuck in farm machinery and had to be amputated. The word spread round and many other ministers of the gospel came to his aide. He had lost too much blood and no help was enough. At his dying moment, he endured the pain, but he had a message for all Christians; “Tell all the people to stand up for Jesus”.
In commemoration of his death, George Duffield, his close friend wrote a poem inspired by Tyng’s last words. Soon this poem became a song listed in hymns sang in churches worldwide.
When we are tested, be it in relationship, integrity, or prosperity, it is the Christ in us that is on trial, and we need to stand up for Christ. Those are some moments imbedded with opportunities to choose Jesus’ principles. A very proactive way to stand up for Jesus is having our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. How beautiful on the mountain are the feet of those who preach good tidings – Isa. 52:7
The rising waves of attacks on Christians in all nations will continue to challenge their faith and their resolve to be the light shining brightly in a dark world. Hell is unleashing unprecedented arsenals to suppress and discredit the gospel and its expansion. More than ever in the history of man, this is the time to STAND UP FOR OUR FAITH and STAND with Christians all over the world through prayers and other kinds of support.
1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
ye soldiers of the cross;
lift high his royal banner,
it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory
his army shall he lead,
till every foe is vanquished,
and Christ is Lord indeed.
- Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the trumpet call obey;
forth to the mighty conflict,
in this his glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve him
against unnumbered foes;
let courage rise with danger,
and strength to strength oppose.
- Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.
- Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
the strife will not be long;
this day the noise of battle,
the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil
a crown of life shall be;
they with the King of Glory
shall reign eternally.