The apostle Paul was walking through the streets of first century Athens one day (see Acts 17). He noticed many idols along the way. One (in particular) caught his attention. It was an idol to “the unknown god”. The very inclusive Athenians wanted to cover their bases and not offend any deity.
The apostle used this to point the Athenians to the one true God whom he described to them as a powerful (yet relational) Creator and holy Judge. Paul was being very exclusive. But he used something familiar to them (in fact something they had made themselves) to introduce to them Someone who was unfamiliar.
Isaac Brock
I was walking through Brock University a while back. I stopped to admire the lifelike (but much bigger than life) statue (not idol) of Sir Isaac Brock. His posture was not static (as many statues are) but active and engaging. It looks like he is explaining something to an invisible person. His hands are in front of him gesturing to make an unknown (but important) point.
I like to imagine he was explaining the Good News to someone and saying “This is something worth giving your life to!” More likely, he was describing some military strategy to repel the American invaders during the War of 1812.
Appropriately, next to the statue is an explanatory plaque. It is well-written but one sentence shocked me. Brock is referred to as “the Savior of Niagara”. Now, I know what the author meant. He saw Brock as the military “savior” of the region due to his leadership, bravery and wise strategy.
Press on
The plaque also records Brock’s dying words to “Press on, my dear countrymen”. This was a powerful inspiration to his fellow soldiers. The Americans had crossed the Niagara River early that morning (October 13, 1812) and taken the escarpment at what today is called “Queenston Heights”. Brock was the leading British general stationed in Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake) and quickly mustered his troops and native allies to dislodge them.
Brock knew the cause was greater than himself and he willingly sacrificed his life for it. As he led his troops up the escarpment he was hit by a bullet and died soon afterwards (at age 43). The resulting victory led by General Sheaffe is considered by most historians to be a turning point in the War of 1812. It helped preserve the independence of Upper Canada from the new republic to the south. The Brock University motto “Surgite” (Latin for “press on”) preserves Brock’s inspiring exhortation in one word. That tragic event took place exactly 211 years ago yesterday.
Today’s takeaway
Eighteen centuries earlier, the apostle Paul also used that phrase, not in Athens this time but in Philippi (named after King Philip, father of another great military leader, Alexander the Great). Paul gave believers in this Greek city an inspiring example when he said, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14) Isaac Brock’s exhortation was important but temporal. The apostle Paul’s exhortation was all-important and eternal. He pointed his hearers and readers to the true Savior of the world who sacrificed his life as payment for the sins of humanity.
Isaac Brock is truly a military hero and savior (small “s”) of this region. But the true Savior (capital “S”) of Niagara is Someone (capital “S”) far more important than an admired British general. Jesus is the true Savior not only of Niagara but of the whole world. And that is Good News worthy of your life and mine.
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
