We wish to further explore the reasons why God chose Christ Jesus to be the Captain of Israel’s army. In our earlier discourse, we tried to respond to this issue as the Holy Spirit enabled us. We are humbled to conclude this topic at the direction of the Holy Spirit. Why does Jesus remain the captain of Israel’s battle to date?
Jesus knew best the devil’s battle plan
Jesus knew the devil’s battle plan and how to effectively combat it. He said of the devil in John 10: 10, the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. Jesus availed his blood to counter the devil’s battle plan. Jesus also enabled Peter by the Holy Spirit to write in 1 Peter 5: 8, disciple yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around looking for someone to devour. By the same enablement, Paul said in 2 Corinthians 11: 14, Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Satan’s battle plan is deception. Are we victims of Satan’s deceptions for our doom or we are for Jesus who is the true light?
Jesus knew the battle challenges
A number of us have been fighting the wrong battles. The Holy Spirit revealed to Paul in Ephesians 6: 12, for our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We must fight spirit with spirit, not flesh and blood against spirit which some of us have been doing. Our challenges also relate to the devil’s accusations against us day and night, Revelation 12: 10-12. Those of us who dislike criticisms are not ready for battle with Jesus for so was he treated and for which he was crucified. We must not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, Romans 8: 4. Jesus can solve all our battle challenges.
Jesus was the most faithful to God
God sent the most faithful on his most cherished mission. John 3 16 says ”For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Read also 1 John 4: 9-10. The bible says of Jesus in Hebrews 3: 2, 6 he was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses also “was faithful in all God’s house.” Christ, however, was faithful over God’s house as a son. Revelation 1: 5 describes Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Can God testify of us as his faithful sons and daughters?
Jesus knew the power of prayer
A good captain always gives feedback from the battlefield to his Generals and Jesus ably did so by prayer daily. Paul in emulating the example of Christ Jesus said in 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 pray without ceasing. The Lord’s Prayer which Jesus taught in Matthew 6: 9-13 suggests relying on God always. When the battle was tough, Jesus prayed three times in the garden of Gethsemane in the morning watch, Matthew 26: 36, 42, 44; Mark 14: 32, 39. Jesus prayed every morning, Mark 1: 35; Luke 5: 16. Solomon said in Proverbs 15: 8 the prayer of the upright is his delight. (Read also Proverbs 15: 29) James 5: 16 said the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. Are we prayerful as Jesus wants us to be?
Jesus was destined a soldier of honour
Jesus was from inception cleared to receive honour in all things. Revelation 5: 12 says “Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” Peter said of Jesus in Acts 5: 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. God revealed Jesus’ honour to Stephen who confessed the same in Acts 7: 56. Paul also said of Jesus in Hebrews 1: 3, he is the reflection of God’s glory and exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. Whoever calls on and walks with Jesus receives part of his honour. Will we receive honour when Jesus comes?
Jesus had an indomitable spirit
Paul testified of Jesus in Hebrews 10: 12 but when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, “he sat down at the right hand of God,” and since then has been waiting “until his enemies would be made a footstool for his feet.” Referring to Jesus’ indomitable spirit, Paul wrote in Hebrews 12: 2, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Do we have the indomitable spirit to fight for Christ Jesus as he did for God? Is Christ Jesus our captain?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, even in the face of death, you sacrificed and died for us in battle and rose that we may also have eternal life in your name. Give us a portion of your indomitable spirit so we may be worthy soldiers for you. Let our sources of motivation come from you rather than the world. Heal us to be faithful without deception till we also attain the crown which you have prepared for us. Blessed Jesus forgive us for the times we have been unfaithful to you. renew us in your blood to perfect us in you. we pray in your holy name, Amen!!
