COMMANDER INTENT Acys 13:1-12

Posted on August 13, 2010 
Filed Under Pastor's Blog, Sermons

In the military you need clear and precise goals for a successful operation. They have what they call “commander intent.” At the end of the mission in simplest terms what had to be accomplished. Such as hold this hill, cross that river, provide support to third battalion as they make an orderly retreat. The goal is clear, precise and measurable. In Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas have embarked upon what has become known as their first missionary journey. Their first stop was Cyprus (Barnabas’ home island). It was there they met Satanic opposition in the form of Elymas the Magician.

Here God goes head to head against Satan. Though the conflict is carried out between God and Satan’s emissaries. Usually we concern ourselves with the will of God. At least from an intelectual perspective. In reality we generally just do what we want. God’s will has become so abstract to the Christian community we merely pay it lip-service. God’s cosmic agenda is big and bold and beyond our immediate responsibility.

But let’s face it. We are at war, spiritual war. All Paul and Barnabas were doing was being true to the mission God has given in Acts 1:8 to go to the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Cyprus was a microcosm of that mission. It became clear to Paul that the political leadership in Cyprus had to hear the gospel. In Paul’s mind that was commander intent. At all costs, if its the last thing he might do, Cyprus would know of Christ and his cross. Satan did not want the politicians on Cyprus to know of Christ. Such was the will of Satan. Paul realized for every intent of God there is an intent of Satan. Cyprus just happened to be the particular hill they were fighting over.

Kirkwood and moving to Trim Street are our Cyprus. It is a flashpoint of conflict with Satan. He does not want us to move to Trim Street. If he can keep us from crossing that street, making that move, taking on a challenge bigger than ourselves, dreaming about generations instead of dreaming about ourselves, he has won. His commander intent is to stop you from going to Trim Street and advancing the gospel in Kirkwood and Broome County. If he  can keep you here he can contain you for another generation and he will have won. We know what God’s will is. He is going to build his church, including one on Trim. We know what Satan’s will is, to keep us from moving forward and crossing the street. The question that remains is what is your will? Are you really going to let Satan keep you from moving to Trim Street?                WHB

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