ON THE VANGUARD

WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’”
Numbers 13:30


A Spanish fleet of 11 ships and roughly 500 men sailed the seas in the spring of 1519. News had reached the governor of Cuba that land had been spotted just past the oceanic horizon, and Spain desired to expand. The governor appointed Hernan Cortes to lead this mission. Although not fully qualified, Cortes was full of zeal and courage. With his limited army, Cortes took on and destroyed the Aztec Empire of more than five million men. Never before had an army so small conquered a force so massive.
Cortes explored the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula before choosing to land at Tabasco. There he had no trouble enlisting the natives as part of his army. It was also there that he learned of the great wealth of the Aztec Empire. Establishing his troops northward at Vera Cruz, his men trained for battle as he planned their attack.6 He was giving the men purpose, a piece of the action, and a prize if they won. Many of the men he had first traveled with were part of the second stage of Spanish settlers in Cuba, and by this time the property in Cuba was sparse. He had made no declaration of this mission being a second thought, therefore they knew the dedication related to this mission. So as the troops began to fear their outcome and desire to go home, Cortes made one simple command that would change their passion for the fight. “Burn the ships.”
Cortes left no way of retreat for his army. The only option they had for leaving the vanguard was either by death or in the boats of the Aztecs. As the men overcame their fear, strength welled up inside them and urged them to continue the fight till finally they overcame the Empire. Cortes and his men continued to defeat several other native tribes, forming alliances with previous enemies and enlisting support. However, despite all the training, preparation, battle plans, and ideas, the rampage on the Aztec Empire would be another failed attempt if he had not removed the ability for retreat.
I question what it is that we, ourselves, listen to. As believers of Christ we are told to fear not, because God is with us.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isa 41:10
As believers of Christ we are urged to listen to the voice of God, to obey, and to act on it. Yet many times, just as with the men of Cortes, we hear the odds and desire to retreat. But God is looking for men and women who, like Joshua and Caleb, see the obstacle and are not scared. He is looking for those who will assure the camp that by faith, all things are possible when God is leading the fight. He is looking for those who will burn their ships and leave no room for retreat, resting in faith and not hope. So who exactly are you listening to?
Come now, tell the devil to shut up, and join me ON THE VANGUARD!