March 15th is known as the Ides of March. Most people know this because it is the day that Julius Caesar was assassinated. But what is an 'ides,' and why should Christians care?

A History of 'The Ides'

The name "ides" comes from the Latin term "idus." This term later gave rise to the English word "Ides." The Ides are the fifteenth day of March, May, July, and October, as well as the thirteenth day of December.

In Roman times, the Ides were the days set aside for paying debt each month, and they generally included the seven days preceding the Ides for this purpose. Debtors who couldn't pay their bills undoubtedly regarded the Ides to be inauspicious days as they were frequently thrown into jail or enslaved.

In Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, the soothsayer warns Caesar to "beware the ides of March." In 44 B.C. when he was assassinated by his senators, fearing their ruler was becoming a dictator.

The Message for Christians

The Christian message related to the Ides of March can be summed up in one word: vigilance. We must always be on guard against those who would do us harm, whether they are physical enemies or spiritual ones.

The Bible tells us to be alert and of sober mind. "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (I Peter 5:8)

We are also told in Ephesians to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

When we are alert and wearing the armor of God, we need not fear the Ides of March or any other day. We can rest in the knowledge that God is in control and He will protect us from our enemies.

So, Christians can take heart on this day. The ides of March may have been a day of doom and gloom for Julius Caesar, but for us, it is a day to remember that we are never alone or unprotected. We have a God who loves us and who is always with us. So let us not be afraid. Amen.