How well do you receive commands? Are you able to receive a command and understand what is implied with it? If you are given a general goal, can you determine the steps to achieve the goal? Or do you prefer every step is relayed with the command?
Most people, at least early in life, need more detailed instruction when given a command. With experience, we learn how to determine the steps needed to complete the mission given to us. It’s called growing in maturity and discernment. Something all of us should be doing.
As a Marine, we called those high-level commands, commander’s intent. A battalion commander might give a company commander a command to secure a specific location. The company commander then had to discern the best means to secure the location but also had the latitude to adjust his plan as needed to fit the situation.
Jesus gave the disciples a command to proclaim the good news and the kingdom of heaven had come near when he sent them out. He didn’t give them any instruction on what to say or how to quantify the message. He left it entirely up to them. They could use what they had heard Jesus say or speak about their experiences with Him.
We have the same latitude today. As we tell others the good news, we can repeat what Jesus said, the miracles He performed, Him going to the cross and being resurrected, or how our lives have changed since we accepted Him as Lord and Savior. Much like the company commander, we must learn to adapt to the situation, recognizing what will be most effective for the person we are speaking to. Jesus understood that need, which is why He did not provide detailed instructions for carrying out His command.
I pray we all learn to execute commander’s intent commands. I pray we obey Jesus’ command. I pray each one of us proclaim the good news and discern the most effective method for the situation. Obey Jesus’ command. Proclaim the good news. Use the most effective method.
Matthew 10:7 “As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
Marty Pressey 