Jesus: Our Commander-In-Chief

Every army has a leader, one who stands at the forefront of the battlefield. One who champions the people. Every mission requires a voice. One who calls to action, directs, and supplies stability. Every nation of people has fallen or risen because of the voice that led them. For the Christian, our leader, our voice, is none other than Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. He is not the figurehead that so many in the religious world make Him out to be. He is the commander-in-chief. He leads the forces of heaven against the forces of hell (Rev 19:11-16). He is bloodied from battle. He is shimmering in might. He is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” He leads us, calling His people to a life of courage, sacrifice, and holiness. He leads us to victory.

Jesus gave the great call, “Come follow me” (Matt 4:19). Such a call is more than an invitation; it is a divine order saturated with purpose. Thanks be to God for such a leader! A leader who leads from the front. A leader who was not afraid to roll up His sleeves and get to work. A leader who endured the temptations which we do (Matt 4:1-11; Heb 4:15). A leader who suffered to provide for our infirmities (1 Pet 2:21, 24). A leader who overcame the final enemy, death (Phil 2:8; Rev 1:18). He is the leader who gives us boldness — boldness to withstand the devil (Jas 4:7), to suffer with joy (1 Pet 4:16), and to ask death, “Where is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55)

A good leader takes the time to understand his people, a great leader loves his people — Jesus did both. Jesus embraced our likeness (Heb 2:14) and provided for us to be like Him (Eph 4:11-12). Jesus provides all we need: His word trains us (2 Tim 3:16-17), His chastening refines us (Heb 12:6-11), and His commandments direct us (Jn 10:27); they are not burdensome (1 Jn 5:3). We are fully furnished unto every good work!

We have received clear marching orders: deny self (Lk 9:23), love sincerely (Jn 13:34), resist evil (1 Thess 5:22), preach the gospel (Mk 16:15), and endure to the end (Matt 10:22). Under His command, victory is assured — not by our might, but His.