The Fine Print: Follow the Leader
- Feb 3
- 7 min read
The Commander in Chief
Lord, open the ears of our hearts to hear You speak to each of us collectively and individually through this message. Thank You in advance.
Let’s jump into today’s topic. When you hear the term Commander in Chief, what comes to mind? Who holds this title in the United States, and what does it mean to have that kind of authority?
For the US, the Commander in Chief is the President—the one with the highest authority over the military. Soldiers don’t question orders. They don’t sit around analyzing whether they agree with the mission or wait for the perfect moment to act. They follow the commands immediately because their trust is placed in the leader who holds the strategy for victory.
That’s the weight of this title: lives and missions depend on it.
But let’s shift from earthly leadership for a second and take this deeper. What does it mean when we say Jesus is the ultimate Commander in Chief?
The Bible is clear about God’s authority:
“For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth.” – Psalm 47:2
God isn’t just a distant ruler sitting on a throne somewhere in the heavens. He’s active, personal, and intimately involved. Throughout Scripture, His commands led to victory: when He told Joshua to march around the walls of Jericho, when He gave Moses the strategy to free Israel, and when Jesus commissioned His disciples to spread the Gospel.
He is Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts, the Commander of heavenly armies.
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” – Psalm 46:7
This name of God reveals His role as the ultimate leader of angelic forces who fight on behalf of His people. He doesn’t just sit back and give orders; He actively leads the charge, protecting, defending, and bringing victory. When we follow His commands, we aren’t relying on human effort alone—we’re stepping into His divine strategy backed by heaven’s armies.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
This isn’t a new concept. God has always been the ultimate authority. But here’s the thing: Are we responding to Him the same way soldiers respond to their Commander in Chief, or are we hesitating, second-guessing, and treating His commands as optional?
He is not just someone we honor on Sundays or when life gets tough, but the One calling the shots every day—the One seated in the Oval Office of our heart, issuing orders that could transform our life if we obeyed.
His leadership is active, and His instructions are personal.
Forgive that person!
Step out in faith!
Release the burden you’re carrying!
These aren’t just suggestions; they’re orders meant to move you toward the life He’s called you to live.
Would you follow Him with the same fierce loyalty and urgency you’d expect from soldiers carrying out a mission? Or—let’s be real—would you question His commands, hesitate when they’re inconvenient, or ignore them when they challenge your comfort? Whew. Jesus!
Take a moment. What’s your honest answer? This isn’t just a passing thought—it’s the key to unlocking a life of purpose and victory.
Let me ask the question differently:
When Jesus commands you to forgive someone who hurt you, to step out in faith, or to let go of control, how do you respond? Do you say:
“Yes, Lord, I’m ready,”
Or do you hold back, negotiating the terms of obedience? 👀
Here’s the truth: Jesus is the King of Kings, the One with authority over heaven and earth. His leadership isn’t just good—it’s flawless.
Period.
And when we trust Him as our Commander in Chief, we’re not just following orders blindly. We’re stepping into a mission greater than anything we could imagine—one where victory, purpose, and freedom await.
Is Jesus Really Your Commander in Chief?
I’ve heard people say,
“Jesus is my President.”
But let’s get real for a second: Is He really?
Are you following His commands when it counts, or are you flipping past the hard parts of Scripture like a book you’re not fully committed to reading?
The Bible says to respect the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-2). Do we dismiss it when it doesn’t fit our agenda? Re-read that. Whew!
I’m guilty. I’ve done it before!
And here’s a tougher question: Are you feeding yourself with commands directly from the living Word of God, or are you letting media outlets and cultural noise tell you how to think and live?
Right now, it’s just you and God—be honest. Which one holds more influence over your life: the Word of God or the voices of the world?
If you’ve been following the wrong command, take heart. There’s grace for you right here, right now. Let’s repent together:
“Lord, please forgive me for not following Your orders. Open my ears to hear Your voice clearly. Today, I choose to follow Your will above everything else. Amen.”
Now that we’ve reset our focus, let’s dive deeper into what it means to live with Jesus as the true Commander in Chief of your life.
Recognizing the Authority of the Commander in Chief
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
Jesus’ authority isn’t partial—it’s complete. It covers heaven, earth, and everything in between. Let that sink in. Think Heaven. Think Earth. His leadership reigns in BOFFUM.
When He gives a command, it’s not up for debate. When He says, “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19), He’s not offering a suggestion for when we’re in the mood. It’s a mission rooted in love and eternal purpose, and it demands our full attention.
But recognizing His authority isn’t just about blind obedience—it’s about trust. Think about a good Commander in Chief. Soldiers may not know the full battle strategy, but they trust that their leader sees the bigger picture and is guiding them toward victory.
So, let’s pause and reflect on this: If we can trust human leaders to make strategic decisions on our behalf, how much more should we trust Jesus—the One who knows our future, understands our struggles, and promises to work all things together for our good?
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” – Romans 8:28
When we acknowledge Jesus as our Commander in Chief, we’re not just following orders—we’re stepping into a divine mission that leads to victory, healing, and purpose.
The Urgency of Obedience
Here’s the hard truth: Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Every time we delay, we risk missing the blessings tied to that act of obedience.
The mission of faith requires urgency. In the same way that soldiers can’t afford to hesitate when their commander gives an order, we can’t afford to wait until we “feel ready.”
✨ Action Step: Respond today to something God has been calling you to do. Whether it’s forgiving someone, serving in your community, or stepping into your calling, don’t wait. Say yes and act.
💬 Reflect: What’s one command from God you’ve been putting off? Start there.
📖 Key Verse: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Let’s Be Honest—This is the Hard to Hear, but You’ve Got This
Yes, I get it—this truth is direct. But friend, I’m not here to make you feel good. I’m here to share the truth: Your King loves you. His plan for your life is perfect, and it only works for your good when you listen and obey His instructions.
I believe in you. You haven’t made it this far into this message just for entertainment. You’re ready to walk fully in the inheritance God has promised you—daily, not just occasionally. I’m already excited to hear the testimonies of what’s going to come from our step of obedience.
The world needs what’s inside of you. I pray this message stirs up the gift God has placed within you. Let it rise. The time is now.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” – 2 Timothy 1:6
Surrendering Your Day to His Leadership
A good Commander in Chief doesn’t micromanage every move, but they set the mission and provide direction. Jesus does the same. He’s not asking us to have every answer figured out—He’s asking us to trust Him step by step.
When you wake up each morning, are you surrendering your day to His leadership, or are you running your life on autopilot?
Imagine how different life could be if we began each day by acknowledging His authority and seeking His wisdom for every decision.
✨ Action Step: Each morning, pause and acknowledge Jesus as your Commander in Chief. Surrender your plans to Him and ask for His wisdom to guide your day.
💬 Prayer: Lord, today I recognize that You are in charge. Lead me, and help me respond with obedience and trust.
📖 Key Verse: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6
Who Will You Follow?
Let’s stop treating Jesus’ commands as optional advice. His Word isn’t meant to be skimmed through like suggestions in a self-help book—it’s a blueprint for life, one that leads to freedom, healing, and purpose.
Soldiers on a mission don’t get to pick and choose which orders to follow, and neither should we!!!!!
His commands are given out of love and designed for victory.
The question is simple: Will you follow Him wholeheartedly or keep negotiating obedience based on what’s comfortable?
The Fine Print is clear: Jesus is our ultimate Commander in Chief. His orders aren’t random—they’re part of a divine mission meant to lead us into purpose and victory. The mission is eternal, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The world is waiting for what’s inside of you. So, who will you follow today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the ultimate authority in heaven and on earth. Today, I acknowledge that You are my Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts), and I submit to Your leadership in my life. Help me to recognize Your authority in every decision I make, every word I speak, and every action I take.
Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored Your commands or tried to take control on my own. Teach me to trust Your guidance, even when I don’t fully understand it. Give me a heart that responds with obedience and a spirit that is willing to follow You wherever You lead.
As I take this first step of recognizing Your authority, help me to remain humble and faithful. Strengthen my trust in You so that I can live as a loyal citizen of Your Kingdom. Thank You for loving me enough to lead me with purpose, grace, and truth.
I believe it is done now. I speak by faith Amen!
See you next week, and we’ll dive into knowing the Commander’s strategy—because every good leader has a plan, and trust me, His is worth following!!! TTYL Friend!!!
