“My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!”

This famous quote is spoken by, who else, Inigo Montoya, played by Mandy Patinkin in The Princess Bride (directed by Rob Reiner, 1987). It’s also a line from the original book by William Goldman. It may seem inconceivable, but this wordy, not particularly zippy quote is one of the most famous lines in the classic book turned cult classic film The Princess Bride. It may be the most straightforward and self-explanatory quote ever. Inigo Montoya‘s father was killed by Count Rugen, and he has waited his entire life to find the man, say these words, and exact his revenge. When he finds Count Rugen, he plainly introduces himself and his mission: “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die.”

Why do I bring up this famous scene from the movie Princess Bride? It demonstrates the power of declaration. Even though Inigo’s motives are not Christ-like, they do demonstrate the type of tenacity, and emotional intensity required to truly have a powerful, prophetic declaration. When Inigo finally encounters the six-fingered man who killed his father, he spouts off his declaration. When they square off to fight the smug villain appears to have the upper hand spearing Inigo with his rapier. The audience hearts sink as it appears evil has triumphed. But Inigo struggles to stand and face his attacker, again and again. Lunge after lunge Inigo’s resolve only strengthens till he powerfully overcomes his enemy with a flurry of slashes, parries, and lunges. Montoya forces his opponent to flee his advances overcome by his resolve. So we too have an enemy of our souls – the devil. This title for satan refers to his slandering who we are to God with false accusations. He is a traducer – one who exposes us to shame and blame by falsehood and misrepresentation. What’s interesting about this title is that it has at it’s root the Greek word “ballo.” “Ballo” means to smite one with slaps; to buffet; to prostrate or be prostrated with and through sickness; to apprehend or lay hands on suddenly, or violently in order to cast out or throw one into prison. Have you ever experienced any of these things on a spiritual or physical level? When I discovered this meaning I immediately thought of that line from the old hymn, “It Is Well.” Some of the lines still ring true and powerful in me today:

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Why does this hymn still resonate with us today? It is a prophetic declaration – a confession – that declares the Truth of God’s Word to spite the howling winds of opposition. Even the circumstances that birthed this powerful declaration were birthed through tragedy at the writers expense. This hymn was written after traumatic events occurred in Horatio Spafford’s life. Wikipedia records that: The first two were the death of his two-year-old son and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago that was extensively damaged by the great fire). His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873, at which time he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone …”. Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.^[2] Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.

With that in mind may we accompany the likes of Inigo Montoya, and Horatio Spafford in making our second declaration of transformation:

Day 2, Declaration 2: Thank You Father for the buffeting that Jesus endured to secure my soul’s salvation! Thank you that when trials come my way that in my helpless estate Christ Jesus has shed His own blood for my soul. Thank You that my sin, not in part, but the whole, has been nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Oh, my soul! It is well, it is well with my soul!