“Privates Among the Generals”

The scriptures frequently speak of members of the Lord’s church being “soldiers” (Eph. 6:10 – 17; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:3; et al). While in any earthly army, literal ranks of officers and “enlisted men” follow a very strict “chain of command,” we must remember the Lord’s army is not of an earthly kingdom (Jn. 18:36). Nonetheless, there is a “chain of command” if you will. Elders are the overseers of the flock of God which is among them (Acts 20:28) and to these elders, the members of the local church must submit themselves (Heb. 13:7; 17). There exist local churches of Christ without elders. These members are no less responsible to the rule of King Jesus than those churches of Christ with eldership (Col. 1:18).

The point of this musing however, carries a bit different perspective – at least one of which I muse with great respect. Consider Timothy or Titus, or John Mark or Silas or the church at Philippi – any who followed the apostle Paul and learned of him (Phil. 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:2; et al). Consider Paul as a “general” in the Lord’s army. After all, to him gave the Lord the “battle plan” including the wisdom by which to fight against the wiles of the devil (Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 6:16). While these men and brethren learned of Paul and “came up through the ranks” if you will, may it not be considered they at one time were “privates among the generals” when learning from Paul, Peter, James, and others of inspiration?

Recently, it was my blessing from God to sit at the feet of such men of faith, and feel as a “private among generals” as they discussed God’s “battle plan” again sin and His fervent desire to save the souls of mankind who believe and obey Him. Though having more than three and a half decades of “battlefield experience,” such learning opportunities challenged me and benefited me toward the fighting of a greater fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12).

Preachers need to feast upon the meat of God’s Word, often more so than those to whom we feed both milk and meat (Heb. 5:12 – 14). While we know it is the elders work to feed the flock of God among them (Acts 20:28) the fact is we preachers do a lot of it as well. (Reconciling that fact with Acts 20:28 remains a puzzle at times!) Nonetheless, we seldom find such blessed opportunities to be fed the rich and wholesome meat of God’s Word in such a fashion. Indeed, it was refreshing, honoring and humbling: to be a “private among the generals.”

The real point of this musing is the fact we ALL should stand in awe and respect of God and His word! HE IS THE GREAT AUTHORITY OF IT ALL (Heb. 1:1-2; 2:1 – 4). In that perspective, we ALL assemble as “privates in the face of the Supreme General” and must learn His commandments. Even Jesus accepted this role (Jn. 12:44 – 50) and never questioned the Authority. God gave the authority to Him (Matt. 28:18) and we remain in the presence of the King. Let us love, honor and revere Him – in His presence we will never be more than “privates among the generals!”