April 26, 1999, Monday

What would you expect the work of a forerunner in battle

to be; dangerous or safe? Would you believe that there was

any guarantee of success for the first to face the battle?

Would you expect this forerunner to fight valiantly in the

eyes of those that followed him?

The Writer to the Hebrews tells us that Jesus was a person who

went before us to prepare a way to God. A forerunner normally

is less in dignity than those that follow Him; But that is not

the case here; for Christ that went before us is superior---

"Where Jesus had entered as a forerunner for us, He became

a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek"

(Heb 6:10). John the Baptist was called a forerunner because

of his character and announcement of Christ as the Messiah;

However Christ is the Captain of our salvation as our head

and guide that leads us into the holy place!

Paul wrote to the Romans to instruct them in the methods of

Christ who was the first to conquer evil and defeat it with

good. His instructions were quite simple for his readers--

"Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good"

(Rom 12:21). If one is defeated by evil, he is the conquered

party, but by using the power of Christ the victory is sure,

and the enemy is defeated in the noblest sense.

Paul wrote to the Philippians to invite his friends and

supporters to join him in the battle to be victorious--

"Now you can take part with me in the battle. It is the

same battle you saw me fighting in the past, and as you

hear, the one I am fighting still" (Phil 1:30). Paul

was not intimidated by the forces of evil but was very

confident of his Captain that would conquer in battle.

Let us remember the God that is our Captain. God's name

is Jehová Sabaoth. He is the God who is the Captain and

Lord of The Hosts of Heaven. He is the Mighty Conqueror

over all of His enemies. He is mighty in battle and able to

lead His Host to victory. Lift your hands to Him and Praise

Him today for the fact that He is the God who is our Captain

that leads us to our victory! He teaches us to overcome!