Two Dangerous Questions: #2A

In military jargon an Order of the Day is “a general directive of a commander in chief or the specific instructions of a commanding officer to subordinates.” In modern history the most famous Order of the Day was issued by General Dwight D Eisenhower just prior to D-Day on June 6, 1944. It read in part: “… In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.”

This Order of the Day was issued by the Supreme Allied Commander, the highest ranking officer in the military. The stakes were high and the faithful execution of the order was vital to Allied success in World War II.

When you have your Quiet Time, you’re meeting with the Supreme Commander of heaven and earth. He also will issue an Order of the Day that is vital to the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Your unquestioned obedience is necessary to successfully carry it out.

At the end of my Quiet Times I ask God this dangerous question: “What have You told me to do today?” Then God gives me an Order of the Day – a specific assignment to undertake. In this post we’ll take a look at two categories of assignments: general and specific

General
In Luke 23:26-31 some of Jesus’ women followers were crying as He was being led to His crucifixion. I was struck by Christ’s concern for others in the midst of His own trial. My Order for the Day was a general reminder that in the midst of my trials, seek to comfort others.

Not long afterwards, a friend’s father-in-law passed away, followed by her mother-in-law, the man’s wife, just 2 weeks later. Remembering my Order, I wrote her the following email:

“I just heard the news about your mother-in-law. I am so sorry for your loss, especially so soon after your father-in-law’s home-going. You and your family have been through so much, and these losses are especially painful as they come during the same month that [your own husband] passed way. A friend once told me, “There can be no great love without great sorrow.” Over the years I’ve clung to those words. May God comfort you and heal your broken hearts in the days and months ahead.”

Specific
In Acts 32-43 the Eleven chose another Apostle to replace Judas. Based on clear criteria, they proposed two candidates – Barsabbas and Matthias. After seeking God’s guidance, they chose Matthias.

My first thought was, “How did Barsabbas feel about not being selected?” I immediately thought of a friend who was one of the two men proposed for a certain job. Like Barsabbas, the other candidate was chosen. To give the new leader a free hand, my friend left and started a new ministry that God has richly blessed.

God gave me a specific Order to contact my friend requesting an interview for a book I’m writing. I immediately stopped what I was doing and wrote him an email with my request that he graciously accepted.

But there was more. I sensed a leading from God to find a successor for Designed to Serve. So, like the Eleven, I developed the following criteria:

• Godly character
• At least 20 years younger than me
• Knowledgeable about, with a passion for, God’s calling (and its’ related components)
• Teachable spirit

As you have your next Quiet Time, I encourage you to ask God the dangerous question, “What do you want me to do today?” Listen for His answer and obey without question.

© 2012 Designed to Serve