March 14, 1590, was a day marked by battle and bravery. On that day, now known as the battle of Ivry, two armies met in a violent contest for the future of France. On one side were the soldiers supporting the Duc de Mayenne and the Catholic League in their efforts to rid France of Protestants once and for all. The Protestant armies in opposition were under the banner of Henry the IV.
Before the battle began, Henry gave courage to those about to risk their lives for his cause. He told them the battle would be fierce, but that their cause was just. He warned them that in the heat of battle it would be easy to lose sight of the banners of the nobles, to be separated from the captains, or to miss the calls of the battle horns. Yet, even in such a panicked confusion there was hope, Henry told them – a symbol and a guide that could rally the beleaguered men even when all other sense of order and direction was lost. That symbol was Henry IV himself. Or, more specifically, the striking plume of white feathers he fixed on his helmet.
“Do not ever lose sight of my white plumes,” he told the nervous ranks, “you will always find them on the road to honor and victory.” What followed that brave speech was an even braver display of courage in battle. Unlike many of the kings at the time, Henry IV did indeed ride into battle at the head of his troops. He spurred his horse on so that he found himself at the very front of the battle where the danger was greatest. True to his inspiring words, his white plumage did in fact lead those who followed him to honor and an overwhelming victory.
In Hebrews 12:2 we read:
... fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The word here for “author” is also often translated as pioneer, or prince. It reminds us that Jesus is our great champion, and He does not hide away in a castle somewhere. The life of faith that we are called to live is one that He has undertaken as our forerunner. He has cut a path through the enemy and laid low the terrors of sin, hell, Satan, and death itself. Honor and victory surround Him as befits the Lord of glory.
With such a King as this, the author and the perfector of faith, we go forth in confidence to follow after His example. Even if we lose sight of all we looked to for encouragement, support, and help, we can never sink down into the pallor of our spiritual battle so low that we cannot still see Jesus. We fix our eyes on the gleaming white of His fulfilled righteousness, the crimson of His perfect sacrifice, the majesty that attends His victorious presence. To the King, our hearts cry out yet again. We have our point of rally. We have His promise that we cannot fail, enduring the trials of today for the sake of the joy also set before us. We who have followed Him through the war will certainly feast with Him when all is won.