January 2025 – The Onward Christian Soldier

“⁴ They look like horses; they charge forward like warhorses. ⁵ Look at them as they leap along the mountaintops. Listen to the noise they make—like the rumbling of chariots, like the roar of fire sweeping across a field of stubble, or like a mighty army moving into battle. ⁶ Fear grips all the people; every face grows pale with terror. ⁷ The attackers march like warriors and scale city walls like soldiers. Straight forward they march, never breaking rank. ⁸ They never jostle each other; each moves in exactly the right position. They break through defenses without missing a step. ⁹ They swarm over the city and run along its walls. They enter all the houses, climbing like thieves through the windows. ¹⁰ The earth quakes as they advance, and the heavens tremble. The sun and moon grow dark, and the stars no longer shine. ¹¹ The LORD is at the head of the column. He leads them with a shout. This is his mighty army, and they follow his orders. The day of the LORD is an awesome, terrible thing. Who can possibly survive?” Job 2:4-11 (NLT)

Welcome to 2025 AD! It shall be a Silver Jubilee Year for you and yours in the mighty name of Jesus. The term “Jubilee” symbolizes celebrations or significant anniversaries associated with joy, freedom, and festivities, as written in Leviticus 25:9-10. Therefore, this is your YEAR OF REJOICING!

Introduction

The U.S. Army is ranked the greatest in the world for characteristics others lack. Factors such as military size, technological superiority, global reach, and operational capabilities set the U.S. Army apart as the greatest. The U.S. Army has the world’s largest defense budget, contributing to its dominance.

The U.S. Army has the most advanced technology, including top-of-the-line weapon systems like stealth bombers, advanced fighter jets, and next-generation tanks. It also has communication infrastructure, intelligence capabilities, and logistics networks. Its military bases worldwide also give the army the most incredible reach and global impact, with its high training and professionalism.

Similarly, being an onward Christian soldier is no mean feat; it possesses specific characteristics that set one apart. Joel 2:4-11 describes God’s army, their conquests, and their impact. Therein, the attributes of an onward Christian soldier are enumerated:

1. They Are Like Horses (Joel 2:4)

In the Bible, the horse is frequently associated with warfare, strength, and the power to conquer. Job 39:19-25 describes the horse as fearless and undeterred in battle. The horse is depicted as eager for battle, charging into the fray without hesitation, laughing at fear, and excited by the sound of the trumpet signaling battle. It emphasizes the horse’s courage and energy when facing challenges, particularly in warfare. These qualities paint a clear picture of onward Christian soldiers with the following characteristics:

1. They advance with determination, courage, and defiance like warhorses – Joel 2:4.
2. They are strong and undeterred as the horse is undeterred from battle – Job 39:19.
3. They are not frightened, intimidated, nor retreat from battles as the horse does not retreat from battle – Job 39:20.
4. They are prepared to confront their adversaries as the horse is ready to face warriors in battle, and they never surrender – Job 39:20-21.
5. They are daring and confident as the horse dares the clatter of weapons against it in battles – Job 39:22.
6. They do not stand undecided. Instead, they are eager to face battles as the horse rushes to the battleground when it hears the trumpet sound – Job 39:24.
7. They engage the enemies in battle as the horse gallops into battle at the command of its rider – Job 39:25.

• They Are Like a Mighty Army Under God’s Command (Joel 2:5)

Onward Christian soldiers derive their victory from obeying the command of the LORD and following His strategies in battles.

1. They follow the guidance of their Commander-in-Chief, obeying His orders without hesitation. They act with discernment and are never impulsive or presumptuous in their actions – Joel 2:11.  
2. They possess the discernment to form victorious alliances, just as Joshua recognized the heavenly visitor as the Commander of God’s hosts – Joshua 5:13-14. As you march forward in faith, remember that not every alliance is beneficial or essential for your victory. Exercise wisdom in choosing the right partnerships, which are key to your triumph.
3. They never take a step forward without the certainty of divine presence on their path. Moses declared that he would not lead God’s people a single step further unless he were assured of God’s presence with them – Exodus 33:14-16.

• They Are Terrifying: People Are Afraid of Them (Joel 2:6)

The United States military’s reputation is built on several factors contributing to its global dominance, such as having Special Operations Forces (SOF), including units like the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Delta Force. Likewise, onward Christian soldiers are not pushovers; they are formidable and feared forces with the arsenal of heaven at their disposal.

1. Although the city of Jericho was fortified beyond penetration, its inhabitants feared the advancing Israelite army because of God’s powerful presence with them – Joshua 2:8-11.
2. Both sinners and saints of lower spiritual rank feared the Apostles, never daring to recklessly align themselves with their realm of power, grace, and authority – Acts 5:11-14.

• They Walk Straight, Not Breaking Ranks (Joel 2:7).

In military terms, “to walk straight and not break ranks” refers to the discipline, focus, and cohesion required for soldiers to perform their duties effectively within a structured and organized force. Let’s break down the two terms further to understand better.

1. Walking straight means following orders and maintaining discipline.
2. This particularly stresses performing tasks according to military protocols without deviating from the mission or conduct.
3. Precision in executing tactics as directed is crucial to the success of military operations.
4. Not breaking ranks means staying united, following the chain of command, and maintaining unit cohesion. A soldier who “breaks ranks” disrupts order, leading to chaos, inefficiency, or defeat.
5. Not breaking ranks signifies loyalty to comrades and the mission.
6. This emphasizes that everyone’s actions in their assigned roles contribute to the collective effort for the mission’s success.

“Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.” (Proverbs 4:25-27)

• They Are Like Earthquakes (Joel 2:7).

Onward Christian soldiers make an impact like the ground-shaking effect of an earthquake.

1. Elijah, a lone warrior, shook Israel with God’s power and authority, and King Ahab called him the “troubler” of the nation. His ministry impact was like an earthquake through the land – 1 Kings 18:16-17.
2. Paul and Silas were described as men who “turned the world upside down” with the gospel’s power – Acts 17:6.

Conclusion

All these enumerated characteristics point to a praiseworthy walk with Christ. One characteristic distinguishing a soldier of Christ who has been in constant touch with his Commander-in-Chief is his prayer life. Two familiar examples are John Knox of Scotland and Pastor E.A. Adeboye of Nigeria.

Mary, Queen of Scots, is reputed to have said, “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe.” His prayers became the fuel of the reformation during his time. They shook the nation of Scotland, causing a revival among God’s people. Knox is often quoted as praying, “Give me Scotland, or I die.” 

My Father-in-the-LORD, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, is well noted for his prayer life. In the late 90s, the head of the military junta in Nigeria, Brigadier Abacha, ordered the arrest of Pastor Adeboye from the Redemption Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. His justification was that Pastor Adeboye’s prayer life was a deterrent to his becoming a civilian president. Pastor Adeboye asked his Commander-in-Chief what to do. He obeyed God’s instructions, and General Abacha died shortly thereafter.  

Prayers

1. Thank You, LORD, for choosing me to see the new year 2025 and for making me one of the chosen soldiers in Your army. (1 Peter 2:9, Romans 8:30)
2. Father, I ask for Your mercy and forgiveness for not fully following my duties as a soldier. I repent and change my mind to obey Your orders, LORD.
3. Father, give me the grace to endure the hardness of the life of a soldier in Your army and keep myself from being entangled in the affairs of this life.
4. Father, destroy the bridge between me and the world permanently; don’t let me ever look or go back, in Jesus’ Name. (Luke 9:62)
5. Father, help me finish well and strong, in Jesus’ Name. Thank You for answering all my prayers, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.