In the context of biblical narratives, "The Strategy" often refers to the divinely inspired plans and tactics employed by God or His chosen leaders to achieve His purposes. These strategies are evident throughout the Scriptures, demonstrating God's sovereignty, wisdom, and the fulfillment of His promises. The Bible provides numerous examples where strategic planning, both divine and human, plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.

Old Testament Examples

1. Joshua and the Battle of Jericho: One of the most notable examples of divine strategy is found in the conquest of Jericho. God instructed Joshua to have the Israelites 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 unconventional strategy led to the miraculous collapse of Jericho's walls. "When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they raised a great shout, and the wall collapsed. So each man charged straight into the city, and they captured it" (Joshua 6:20).

2. Gideon's Victory over the Midianites: In Judges 7, God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 men to ensure that Israel would recognize His hand in their victory. The strategy involved surrounding the Midianite camp with torches hidden in jars and trumpets. At Gideon's signal, the men broke the jars, revealing the torches, and blew the trumpets, causing confusion and panic among the Midianites. "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the LORD set the sword of one man against another throughout the camp" (Judges 7:22).

3. David's Military Tactics: King David was known for his strategic prowess in battle. His reliance on God's guidance is evident in his inquiries before engaging in warfare. For instance, when facing the Philistines, David sought the Lord's counsel, and God provided a specific strategy that led to victory. "So David inquired of the LORD, and He answered, 'Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees'" (2 Samuel 5:23).

New Testament Insights

1. Jesus' Ministry: Jesus employed strategic methods in His ministry, often teaching in parables to reveal truths to those with ears to hear while concealing them from those who were hardened. His strategic choice of disciples, His timing in revealing His identity, and His deliberate journey to the cross all reflect a divine strategy to fulfill the Messianic prophecies and accomplish salvation. "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable" (Matthew 13:34).

2. The Great Commission: Jesus' post-resurrection strategy for spreading the Gospel involved commissioning His disciples to make disciples of all nations. This strategic plan laid the foundation for the global expansion of Christianity. "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).

3. Paul's Missionary Journeys: The Apostle Paul demonstrated strategic thinking in his missionary endeavors. He targeted major urban centers, established churches, and wrote epistles to address specific issues and encourage believers. His strategy was to become "all things to all people" to win as many as possible to Christ. "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that by all possible means I might save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Theological Implications

The strategies depicted in the Bible underscore the importance of obedience to God's guidance and the recognition of His ultimate authority. They reveal that human wisdom is often insufficient without divine insight. The biblical narrative consistently shows that God's strategies, though sometimes mysterious or counterintuitive, are always purposeful and lead to the fulfillment of His divine will.