1 Chronicles 12 paints a vivid picture of the mighty men who joined David in Hebron while he was hiding from Saul. These men joined him to establish his kingdom. These weren’t just a ragtag bunch of followers; they were skilled warriors, each tribe bringing unique strengths to the table. The men of Reuben were “expert archers.” The men of Judah were “lions’ hearts,” renowned for their courage and ferocity. The Gadites were “men of valour” known for their unwavering loyalty and fierce independence. The men of Issachar “understood times and seasons and the best course for Israel to take.” The men of Manasseh were “brave and able warriors”, while the men of Zebulun were “skilled, fully armed and prepared for battle.” Every day, more men joined David until he had a great army, like the army of God! (1 Chronicles 12:22).
This diverse army, with its unique blend of skills and talents, was crucial to David’s success. Each tribe played a vital role, contributing to the overall strength and effectiveness of the fighting force.
Just as these Israelite tribes had distinct roles in David’s army, so do we have specific assignments in God’s kingdom. We are not all called to be preachers or missionaries. Some are gifted in teaching, others in writing, some in music, and others in administration.
Paul, the apostle, understood this principle. He recognised his unique calling to reach the Gentiles and faithfully fulfilled his mission. (Romans 11:13). Peter, on the other hand, was primarily called to minister to the Jewish people. (Galatians 2:8). Each apostle, while sharing a common goal of spreading the Gospel, had a distinct area of focus.
Knowing your battalion means knowing your specific assignment in God’s army. It means knowing your purpose and field of operation. It means knowing what God has called you to do and the specific mountain of influence He has assigned you to establish His Kingdom. Any Christian who doesn’t know his battalion is like a soldier trying to fight a battle without knowing which unit he belongs to, what his role is, or where he needs to be positioned. Imagine a whole army not knowing where they have been assigned. Confusion and chaos are inevitable!
Discovering your battalion (or purpose) cannot be done in isolation. You need to have an intimate relationship with your Commanding Officer, Jesus Christ. As you cultivate a deeper walk with Him through prayer, Bible study, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you discern your unique gifts and talents and how they can best be used for His glory.
It is crucial to emphasise that your purpose, no matter how unique, must always align with the overall mission of the Kingdom. Any mission or purpose that contradicts the ultimate assignment of every believer, which is to preach the Gospel and make disciples of all nations, will ultimately take you out of God’s army.
How can you discover your specific role within the grand mission of God’s army?
● Be Faithful in Little: God often reveals our purpose through seemingly insignificant tasks. Faithfulness in reading your Bible daily, praying and serving at your local assembly will provide numerous opportunities for you to discover your specific field of operation.
● Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit: It is crucial to pay attention to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. As you listen to and obey Him, He will guide you toward opportunities that align with your gifts and callings.
● Submit to Mentorship: It is also essential to seek guidance from experienced Christian leaders: veterans in God’s army. They can offer valuable insights and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Elisha’s submission to Elijah helped him discover the vast possibilities in the prophetic.
● Value Community: Being active within your local church and Christian community and serving alongside others will expose you to diverse ministries and allow you to discover your place within the body of Christ.
It’s important to remember that every member of God’s army is valuable, regardless of their role. Just as each tribe in David’s army played a crucial role in his success, each of us has a unique contribution to make. This is why you must remain in unity with other members of your battalion. There is no room for comparison or competition. We are on the battlefield! No soldier compares his outfit or armour with that of another soldier in the heat of the battle! Honour and respect others within your field of operation. Let God’s love always lead the way in your relationship with others, whether in your battalion or God’s army at large.
Finally, I want you to remember that your ultimate goal is to bring glory to our Commander, Jesus Christ. Therefore, strive to fulfil your assignments with excellence and integrity, knowing that your efforts are not in vain. Every action you take in obedience to our Commander’s instructions matters a great deal.
Dear Comrade, I pray that you will discover and stay in your battalion, embrace your unique calling, and fight the good fight of faith with courage and conviction.