What Makes a Great General?

“The call of the Christian faith is the gentle word, ‘Come.’” – C.H. Spurgeon

Throughout history, there have been scores of great military leaders from Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar to Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. Some of them were brilliant strategists and others knew how to motivate an entire army. However, the very best generals in the history of warfare were the ones who personally led their forces into battle. Instead of giving the order to “Charge!”, they led the charge themselves.

Teddy Roosevelt did exactly that riding up San Juan Hill during the Spanish American War and it won him not only international fame, but also the undying devotion of his fellow Rough Riders.

In today’s devotional, Charles Spurgeon contrasts the Jewish law – which commands its followers to “Go and obey or else” – with Jesus and the Gospel of grace. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, extends His hand and says “Come”… and then leads His flock to safety.

Here is how the “Prince of Preachers” put it so masterfully 150 years ago…

The Jewish law spoke harshly: “Go, pay attention to your steps as to the path in which you will walk. Break the commandments, and you will perish; keep them, and you will live.” The law was a dispensation of terror that drove men before it as with a scourge; the Gospel draws with cords of love. Jesus is the Good Shepherd going before His sheep, bidding them follow Him, and leading them forward with the sweet word, “Come.” The law repels; the Gospel attracts. The law shows the distance that exists between God and man; the Gospel bridges that awful chasm and brings the sinner across it.

From the first moment of your spiritual life until you are welcomed into heaven, the language of Christ to you will be, “Come to me.” As a mother extends her hand to her tiny child and woos it to walk by saying, “Come,” even so does Jesus. He will always be ahead of you, bidding you follow Him as the soldier follows his captain. He will always go before you to pave your way and clear your path, and you will hear His life-giving voice calling you to follow Him all through your life; in the solemn hour of death, His sweet words with which He will usher you into the heavenly world will be, “Come, you who are blessed of my Father.”

This is not only Christ’s call to you, but if you are a believer, this is your call to Christ—“Come! Come!” You will be longing for His return; you will be saying, “Come quickly; even so come, Lord Jesus.” You will desire nearer and closer fellowship with Him. As His voice to you is “Come,” your response to Him will be, “Come, Lord, and stay with me. Come and occupy the throne of my heart; reign there without a rival, and consecrate me entirely to Your service.”

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” John 10:11 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President