Joshua 5:14, New King James Version

"So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, “What does my Lord say to His servant?”

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," (Matthew 28:19 NKJV)

Marching orders" refers to official commands or instructions, either from a military commander to start a troop movement or from a higher authority to begin a task or proceed with an action. The orders tell the soldiers how to proceed in fighting the enemy, ways to go, strategies to use, etc. As Christians, we are in a battle. Not a physical, but spiritual battle... everyday. We need the Lord to show us how to move and proceed in fighting the battle successfully. 

In the spiritual, "marching orders" refer to the divine instructions or commands given by God to His people, often in preparation for a journey, battle, or significant task. They are a mission from God given to believers or the church to guide their actions in the spiritual realm. 

There are so many examples of the Lord giving His people marching orders in the Bible. What is one of the most well-known marching orders? The Great Commission: A general order given to the entire church to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach all that Jesus commanded. 

What is the purpose of marching orders? They are given for a specific purpose, whether to lead a specific task or to fulfill a broader spiritual mission. The authority behind these orders comes directly from God or Jesus Christ. They require active obedience and faith on our part to put them into action. Whether general for the whole church or specific for an individual, these orders are meant for God's people to carry out. 

Once we are given a marching order from the Lord how do we carry it out? Read and meditate on God's Word to understand His instructions and commands. We have to stay close to Jesus: Maintain a close relationship with Jesus to receive direction and strength. We have to be familiar with His voice, so we can recognize it when He speaks to us. Just like a soldier gets suited up in his gear we have to put on the Armor of God. It helps us prepare for spiritual battles by using the spiritual armor provided by God. Lastly, we have to submit to God's will and authority and resist the devil. 

There are two types of marching orders: general (the great commission) and specific. 

As individuals in Christ’s church, we are responsible for both kinds of marching orders. We are to obey everything God commands every Christian to do and, especially, those marching orders we receive from Him individually. God’s marching orders are specifically designed for you with your unique gifts and abilities. Obedience is important when you are being directed by the Lord to do something in a situation.

As Christians, we all have received our marching orders from the ultimate Authority: to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). The battle, my friends, is not over yet. There is so much more ministry ahead of us as God’s soldiers. We are not home yet.

Don’t forget your marching orders! 

If there is an area of your life in which you need marching orders from God, ask Him. But, when you are doing so, let your attitude be that of Samuel who said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:9, NLT).