I am a history buff. When my wife, Shona, and I lived in London, England, I could spend hours wandering the city and soaking in its rich history. And if you spend time in Europe, you soon come face-to-face with memorials to the horrors of war and all those whose lives were affected by it. There is so much to learn beyond the battles fought or the final outcome. The stories behind the story paint a deeper picture of humanity at its worst and best. 

The Old Testament tells the tale of two armies: one under the command of Joshua (see Joshua 8) and one commanded by Gideon (see Judges 7). Joshua’s army consisted of 30,000 warriors, while Gideon commanded just 300. Now, at first glance, you might think these stories stand in contrast to one another, but they remind us of a consistent biblical truth: God accomplishes his purposes through obedience, not numerical advantage.

In Joshua’s campaign, God instructed Joshua to select 30,000 mighty warriors to execute a complex military manoeuvre. God used Israel’s large and courageous army as an instrument to bring justice and claim victory. But God reminds Joshua that the victory was achieved not because of the size of their army, but because of their obedience and God’s promise. The second army is less than one percent of Joshua’s army. By God’s command, Gideon is given just 300 warriors to do battle with the Midianites. Gideon’s army was not outfitted with superior weapons and tactics. Instead, they were given trumpets, torches and jars. This was a powerful reminder to the nation of Israel that their victories came not from their own strength (see Judges 7:2) but through the power of God. The Midianite army panicked, turned on one another and fled—all initiated by the Lord, not military might.

The third army in this story is ours. In 1878, we became known as The Salvation Army. No longer the Christian Mission with a volunteer force, we became an army created to fight for the “salvation” of the poor and marginalized. Over our history, we have grown to be the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada. With an army of more than 79,000 volunteers, employees, soldiers and officers, we have become a force for good, giving hope and proclaiming salvation in more than 400 communities across the territory.

THREE STORIES, ONE GOD

Though these stories differ dramatically in numbers, strategy and human involvement, they reveal a consistent theological reality:

1. God is sovereign over outcomes. Whether it’s an army of 30,000, 300 or 79,000, the victory belongs to God. Numbers do not determine success; it is our obedience to God and his leading that will keep his Army marching on.
2. God uses different methods for different purposes. Joshua’s story emphasizes leadership, planning and faithful action. Gideon’s emphasizes humility, dependence and the elimination of pride. The Salvation Army’s story is one of faithfully following the leading of God to be agents of transformation in the communities where we live. God has lessons for us to learn as we seek to follow him and be faithful to the purposes for which he raised up the Army. Let’s not miss the opportunities to do things differently, to reach out more broadly; to be an Army that is adaptable and innovative to meet the needs we see around us. 
3. God calls his people to obedience, not self-reliance. Joshua obeyed detailed tactical instructions. Gideon obeyed an instruction that made no strategic sense. In both cases, obedience positioned them to see God’s power on display. For us, his Army today, we must be obedient to his direction, continually relying on his provision for the work before us.

This tale of three armies reminds us that God accomplishes his purposes through those who walk in obedience to his leading. The Salvation Army today is not the same Army it was when my parents served. In obedience to God’s leading, we have changed as the world around us has changed.

The days ahead hold new and challenging realities for us. We will be stretched and tested in ways we never imagined before. Obedience is our path, and the God who created us, called us and commissions us for his work will be faithful. “Do not be afraid … the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).

LT-COLONEL KEITH PIKE is the territorial secretary for business administration.

Photo: Jerimi Jones

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