Divine Strategy

The concept of divine strategy refers to the plans and purposes of God as revealed throughout the Scriptures. God's strategies are often beyond human understanding, yet they are always perfect and aimed at fulfilling His divine will. The Bible is replete with instances where God's strategic plans are unveiled, demonstrating His sovereignty and wisdom.

One of the most prominent examples of divine strategy is found in the account of Joseph. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph rose to a position of power in Egypt. This was part of God's plan to preserve the Israelites during a severe famine. Joseph himself recognized this divine strategy, saying to his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people" (Genesis 50:20).

Another example is the conquest of Jericho, where God's strategy involved an unusual battle plan. The Israelites were instructed to march around the city once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day, followed by the blowing of trumpets and a great shout. This divine strategy led to the miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls (Joshua 6:1-20).

God's strategies are not limited to military conquests or personal deliverance. They also encompass His redemptive plan for humanity. The sending of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world was the ultimate divine strategy to reconcile mankind to Himself. As Paul writes, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons" (Galatians 4:4-5).

Human Obedience

Human obedience is the response required by God from His people to align with His divine strategy. Throughout the Bible, obedience is portrayed as a fundamental aspect of faith and a prerequisite for receiving God's blessings.

The account of Abraham is a quintessential example of human obedience. God called Abraham to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him. Abraham's obedience to God's call is highlighted in Genesis 12:4: "So Abram departed, as the LORD had directed him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran" . Abraham's willingness to obey, even when the destination was unknown, exemplifies the faith and trust required in following God's strategy.

Similarly, the obedience of the Israelites in the wilderness was crucial for their survival and eventual entry into the Promised Land. Despite their frequent disobedience, God continually called them to follow His commandments. In Deuteronomy 28, God outlines the blessings for obedience and the curses for disobedience, emphasizing the importance of adhering to His commands.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate model of obedience. His submission to the Father's will, even unto death, is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Philippians 2:8 states, "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross" . Christ's obedience not only fulfilled God's redemptive strategy but also set an example for believers to follow.

The relationship between divine strategy and human obedience is further illustrated in the Great Commission. Jesus commanded His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). This divine strategy for spreading the Gospel requires the obedience of believers to carry out the mission entrusted to them.

In summary, divine strategy and human obedience are intricately linked throughout the biblical narrative. God's plans are executed through the faithful obedience of His people, who are called to trust and follow His guidance, even when it defies human logic or understanding.