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Raise the Banner

When I was 17, my little brother found this book called “Names of God” by Nathan Stone (Moody Press, copyright 1944). Knowing Moody’s name, we figured the book was trustworthy. I remember coming across a word that I just thought was fun to say - “Nissi” or Jehovah-Nissi. As read I found out it meant Standard or Banner, i.e. “the Lord my Banner” (check out Exodus 17:15 or Isaiah 59:19 for further study).

When I was brainstorming the concept of this record I initially wanted it to be about setting our bars high, raising the standard of excellence in our lives not accepting anything less. But the irony would have been unbearable. So I looked back at that little book on God’s names, remembering that Standard was one of Gods Names. And I was using it all wrong!

In Scripture, the banner or standard is usually in context of war. Armies would follow their raised “banner” symbolizing their nation into the battlefield. So, Israel declaring the Lord is my Banner takes is a heavy statement!

The two passages for today are both are in the context of great struggle. In Matthew, we are encouraged to remember and to endure in this long walk that will be filled with people that hate us. In Corinthians, we are reminded that he leads us in triumph. It is a great thing to remember in the life long battle against our own flesh, and the forces of evil that the Lord is our banner! We have the privilege and duty not only to fight under that banner, but to “raise” that banner high so all believers can see it and run their race well. We raise it so the world can see what we name we fight under. The Lord is our Banner!