Lord, I am Yours and You are Mine,
Your Banner over Me is Love!
Focus of the month: Promises, Promises
I have felt this feeling before…a stirring in my soul to fight for something I believe in, something I want to see changed, or maybe even something that just excites me! In some situations I get passionate, my voice gets louder, my heart beats faster, my breathing changes, I am consumed with my agenda and I will fight to get others to see my point of view. Maybe you have been there too? Just causes, fighting for the underdog, defending your position on a topic, even arguing with your family members…these are very real battles that we face.
Throughout ancient history, armies going to battle would hold up a flag, a type of banner, so all the soldiers would know this was the place to rally behind. When the battle got frantic, if a soldier lost his/her way the banner was where they were to gather. It could be trusted. It would be extremely important that only one banner be in place so there would be no confusion. Is standing behind a banner important today?
Let’s look at Exodus 17:8-13 where Moses sends Joshua to battle against Amalek.
“So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this in a book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Moses built an altar and named it The Lord is My Banner;”
Jehovah-Nissi
Moses knew that God was fighting the battle and he wanted Israel to understand this.
Only God could win, the army was powerless without HIM.
Many of the battles I have engaged in over the years were not as honoring to God. Honestly, I tried to fight them on my own. I did not put God in the midst of them. Most did not go well. If only I allowed His banner over me. Instead I settled for an imitation. A banner that held no power, a banner that led me to an unrighteous cause with unrighteous actions. If I declare God as my banner then all others must be laid down.
In seeking God and spending time in His Word I have learned that I can fight no cause, no passion of mine, no pursuit, without standing under the Banner of God. He is our defender and victor!
I choose to battle with the Banner of God over me; because His is the Banner of Love; which is Jesus.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Exodus 17
