In the year 1314, after 18 years of war against England, northern Scotland was free. Robert Bruce reigned as king over the Scots, and Edward II ruled England having inherited his father’s throne. Just north of the Bannock Burn gorge sat Stirling castle, one of the only castles still occupied by the English. With Edward II commanding a 40,000-strong cavalry towards Bannock Burn to finally ensure this stronghold, Robert Bruce began to strategize and prepare his 13,000 Scots. He elaborately plotted – devising ambushes, creating hideouts, dispatching rear flanks and exploring any possible counter-attacks. One of the practices that earned The Bruce his enduring legend as a warrior and leader was his skill for encouraging and empowering his men. It is said that before his battles, Bruce would speak with each of his army divisions, informing them of their responsibilities and seeking their opinions. While a posture of servitude was rare among royalty, this insightful quality earned Robert Bruce the abiding loyalty of his army.  

On June 23rd, midsummer’s eve of 1314, Edward II arrived with his men at the Bannock Burn ford. The battle began with small skirmishes, and surprisingly, the primitive Scottish infantry outwitted the strength of Edward’s English army. Although these initial victories were small, the Scots were elated and the English retreated to their camp dejected.  

After a perplexing day of unwarranted success for the Scots, the English rose early the following dawn, scuttling around their camp at the Carse, regrouping and reorganizing. But across the gorge, Bruce’s men gathered for a blessing from their leader and corporately kneeled for prayer. As the day advanced into battle, the Scottish army fought diligently, adhering to their commander’s brilliant strategy to subvert the English army’s training and to use their size to overwhelm them. The unexpected confidence from the Scots caused division among the English. Two commanders argued over who was to lead the charge, and while one called an advance and the other called a hold, the infantry was left bewildered and destabilized. By day’s end, the Scots claimed Stirling Castle, the English army scattered and young King Edward II was seen fleeing south to England in humiliation.

While Scotland had fought for autonomy for 18 years, and would continue this revolution for another 13 years, the Battle of Bannock Burn was the pivotal victory that both ensured Scotland’s independence and secured the throne for Robert Bruce, King of Scots. 

Part of our birthright as Christians is to fight for the Royal Army of the Lord.  

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see his banners go!

The Bible has many references to Christians as soldiers in the spiritual battle for the souls of men. It warns us of the Devil who seeks our defeat just as a lion seeks prey. We are also admonished to arm ourselves with the Word and the Spirit:

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.”

Robert Bruce acknowledged that his enemy was better equipped and stronger in numbers, but he also knew that the battle could be won or lost in the mind of the soldiers. Through preparation, vigilance and a passion for the cause of freedom, he trained his men to fight with confidence. The same principles for victory apply to the spiritual battle of this world.  

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

As we march forward on this path of surrender, may we keep our eyes on the cross, continually recalling His supernatural work of redemption in our lives, and resting in His promises. Only then can we continue into His refining fire and begin to see His beauty and excellence established in our hearts and minds.  

In the year 1314, after 18 years of war against England, northern Scotland was free. Robert Bruce reigned as king over the Scots, and Edward II ruled England having inherited his father’s throne. Just north of the Bannock Burn gorge sat Stirling castle, one of the only castles still occupied by the English. With Edward II commanding a 40,000-strong cavalry towards Bannock Burn to finally ensure this stronghold, Robert Bruce began to strategize and prepare his 13,000 Scots. He elaborately plotted – devising ambushes, creating hideouts, dispatching rear flanks and exploring any possible counter-attacks. One of the practices that earned The Bruce his enduring legend as a warrior and leader was his skill for encouraging and empowering his men. It is said that before his battles, Bruce would speak with each of his army divisions, informing them of their responsibilities and seeking their opinions. While a posture of servitude was rare among royalty, this insightful quality earned Robert Bruce the abiding loyalty of his army.  

On June 23rd, midsummer’s eve of 1314, Edward II arrived with his men at the Bannock Burn ford. The battle began with small skirmishes, and surprisingly, the primitive Scottish infantry outwitted the strength of Edward’s English army. Although these initial victories were small, the Scots were elated and the English retreated to their camp dejected.  

After a perplexing day of unwarranted success for the Scots, the English rose early the following dawn, scuttling around their camp at the Carse, regrouping and reorganizing. But across the gorge, Bruce’s men gathered for a blessing from their leader and corporately kneeled for prayer. As the day advanced into battle, the Scottish army fought diligently, adhering to their commander’s brilliant strategy to subvert the English army’s training and to use their size to overwhelm them. The unexpected confidence from the Scots caused division among the English. Two commanders argued over who was to lead the charge, and while one called an advance and the other called a hold, the infantry was left bewildered and destabilized. By day’s end, the Scots claimed Stirling Castle, the English army scattered and young King Edward II was seen fleeing south to England in humiliation.

While Scotland had fought for autonomy for 18 years, and would continue this revolution for another 13 years, the Battle of Bannock Burn was the pivotal victory that both ensured Scotland’s independence and secured the throne for Robert Bruce, King of Scots. 

Part of our birthright as Christians is to fight for the Royal Army of the Lord.  

Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see his banners go!

The Bible has many references to Christians as soldiers in the spiritual battle for the souls of men. It warns us of the Devil who seeks our defeat just as a lion seeks prey. We are also admonished to arm ourselves with the Word and the Spirit:

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.”

Robert Bruce acknowledged that his enemy was better equipped and stronger in numbers, but he also knew that the battle could be won or lost in the mind of the soldiers. Through preparation, vigilance and a passion for the cause of freedom, he trained his men to fight with confidence. The same principles for victory apply to the spiritual battle of this world.  

“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

As we march forward on this path of surrender, may we keep our eyes on the cross, continually recalling His supernatural work of redemption in our lives, and resting in His promises. Only then can we continue into His refining fire and begin to see His beauty and excellence established in our hearts and minds.