Dearest Comrade, permit me to ask you a question as we begin: Do you know the Commander? I don’t mean, have you heard or read about Him? Do you truly know Him, the One who leads the armies of heaven and earth? The One who is the Lord of Hosts?
Let me take you to a moment in Scripture that paints a vivid picture of who the Commander is and what our posture towards Him should be. It happened just as Joshua was preparing to lead the Israelites into battle against Jericho. As he stood near the city, possibly thinking about the strategy to use against the walled city and the daunting task ahead, he looked up and saw a man standing before him with a drawn sword. Joshua, a seasoned warrior who led the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:9-13), approached and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” The response he received was startling: “Neither. I’m commander of God’s army. I’ve just arrived” (Joshua 5:14, MSG).
At that moment, Joshua realised he was in the presence of the Commander Himself, and his response was immediate. He fell facedown to the ground, worshipped, and asked, “What orders does my Master have for his servant?” This moment shows us the attitude and posture we should have towards our Commander: reverence, submission, and a readiness to obey.
Joshua met the pre-incarnate Christ, the Lord Jesus, before He became flesh and dwelt among men (John 1:14). This same Commander leads every believer to victory over sin, darkness, death, and hell (1 Corinthians 15:57). He overcame Satan and took the keys of hell and death from him (Revelations 1:18).
Do you know this Commander? Do you know our Lord Jesus? Our Commander is not distant or detached from His soldiers. He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), who knows His own by name and leads them with love and care. He does not fight with earthly weapons but with power, bringing down strongholds and destroying the works of darkness (2 Corinthians 10:4). Yet, for all His majesty and might, He is gentle and lowly in heart, a haven of rest for all who come to Him. (Matthew 11:29).
Our Commander is the Lion, fierce, victorious and invincible, yet He is the Lamb, sacrificing His life for His own. He demands and deserves our devoted love and utmost submission. Joshua’s response to Him should be ours as well. Joshua didn’t argue, hesitate, or demand explanations when faced with the Commander of the Hosts. He didn’t cling to his own strategies or plans. Instead, he bowed in worship and humbly asked, “What orders does my Master have for His servant?” This is the heart of a true soldier.
As a soldier of Christ, you are called to do the same. Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 2:4, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” This means we must prioritise our mission over the distractions of this world. Our loyalty lies with the Commander, and our focus must remain on Him and His orders.
While the world sees submission and obedience as bothersome and burdensome, they are not. In this Kingdom, love is the foundation of all motives, ambitions and actions. When you love someone, you submit to them, knowing they have your best interests at heart. You obey them because you trust them. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Those who love Jesus are willing to obey Him, even when the path is unclear or the battle is fierce. Do you love Him? Your love for Him will make you willing and obedient to His commands because you know His commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3). Whatever He asks you to do is rooted in His perfect wisdom and unfailing love for you.
Paul was a devoted soldier who loved the Commander dearly. During his first encounter with Jesus, one of his questions was, “What will you have me to do?” Whenever he heard the Lord’s instructions, he ran with it, not minding the cost. He devoted himself to obeying the Commander’s orders in life or death. (Philippians 1:21). Are you wholeheartedly devoted to Him?
I could go on and on about the Commander and how you should respond to him. But the truth is, your love for him will determine your commitment to the mission. So, I ask you again: Do you know and love the Commander? Are your eyes fixed on Him, your heart attuned to His voice, and your feet ready to march at His command?
If your love for Him has waned, I invite you to renew your allegiance to Him. Lay down your plans, fears, and distractions at His feet. Bow in worship and declare, as Joshua did, “What orders does my Master have for His servant?” Then rise with love, faith and courage, knowing that He who calls you is faithful and will equip you for every good work (1 Thessalonians 5:24). In this Kingdom, nothing is as important as knowing the Commander, loving Him wholeheartedly and following Him everywhere He leads because the battle and mission are His. With Him, victory is always assured. Because He loves you, you are more than a conqueror.
Till I come your way again, keep seeking and loving the Commander. Fight to keep your eyes fixed on Him. Nothing else matters when you are with Him, and He is with you!