During America’s Civil War, flags were enormously important to soldiers. They were so important that soldiers would sacrifice their lives to protect their flags from enemy capture. State and regional regimental flags were morale builders, and they were a great source of pride for the soldiers. They also had a more practical purpose. Battlefields could get loud and confusing, and it could be easy for regiments to become scattered. So, a regimental flag would mark the position of the regiment and be a visual rallying point for the soldiers to follow.[1]
But America isn’t the only nation who has treasured her flag in battle. Even nations in ancient history would fly their flag or banner at their front lines. Seeing their flag at the front lines would give soldiers a feeling of hope, and it was a focal point for them during their battles.[2]
Shortly after their exodus from Egypt, ancient Israel fought against the Amalekites. During this battle, Moses went up on a hill with his staff. When he held up his hand and staff, Israel prevailed. But if he lowered his hand and staff, the Amalekites prevailed. Two men, Aaron and Hur, went up with Moses to help him hold his hands up during the entire battle. Israel ultimately won the battle and defeated the Amalekites.
“And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The LORD Is My Banner,” Exodus 17:15, ESV
Our God is Jehovah Nissi! The Lord is my Banner.[3] During our spiritual battles, He is our hope. Our God of hope is sure and steadfast like an anchor (Hebrews 6:19). Our God of hope fills us with joy, peace, and the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13). Through Jesus Christ, we’ve been given a living hope (1 Peter 1:3), and in this hope we are saved (Romans 8:24)! Life in this world can get confusing and chaotic, but He is our focal point, our visual rallying point to follow. The things of the world shout at us and try to draw us into their traps. But God calls out to us and says,
“Follow Me. I will lead you to eternal life” John 10:27-28
God is our Banner! He is our flag. He brings us hope. He encourages us and builds our morale. He is our focal point during the battle and our visual rallying point to follow. He is so important to us that we should be willing to sacrifice ourselves for Him-
“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24
If we want to truly be in a relationship and fellowship with God, we must first deny ourselves. This denial doesn’t mean that we are supposed to live some ascetic lifestyle, denying ourselves of the very things we need to survive. This denial is rejecting our own desires and plans and submitting our lives to God’s desires and plans for us. Then, we must take up our cross. Everyone’s cross is going to look different! Each person will endure their own testing and suffering, but we all must give all glory to God even in the midst of our sufferings. Finally, we must follow God. We must obey His Word and live in a way that is pleasing to Him:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12
God is your banner. He is your hope. Rejoice in Him and in all that He has done in you, and through you, and for you. You will face tribulation in this life but be patient! God is sanctifying you and making you more like Himself. As you deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus, pray constantly. Pray to be strengthened and drawn closer to God. Remember to always keep your eyes on Jesus and never forget the hope He has given you. Praise your wonderful, amazing Savior today-
“But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14
[1] Robert McNamara, “Why Were Flags So Important in the Civil War?,” published December 13, 2018, accessed October 4, 2021, https://www.thoughtco.com/flags-importance-in-the-civil-war-1773716.
[2] “The Names of God in the Old Testament,” Blue Letter Bible, accessed October 4, 2021, https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/misc/name_god.cfm.
[3] Ibid.
