lbs The Names of Jehovah..part 3

The Names of Jehovah

Part 3 - Jehovah - Nissi

The Lord Our Banner

“Old Glory” is a term we sometimes use when referring to the flag of the United States of America. While making preparations for the Battle of Baltimore, Major George Armstead requested a flag so large that the British would not have any trouble seeing it. That flag ended up being 42 feet long by 30 feet high. It was this flag waving in spite of the heated battle, that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star Spangled Banner”, our national anthem. In 1892, Francis Bellamy authored the words to “The Pledge of Allegiance”. His aim was to say what our republic meant and what was the underlying spirit of its life. The American flag is still a symbol of our nation’s sovereignty and should still command the respect of every US citizen. That is why the Federal Flag Code was enacted. God has also given us a flag or banner to symbolize who we are, give us purpose in our daily lives and even to give us something worth dying for. 

A banner, in ancient times, was a standard, sign, or a pole with a bright shining ornament that glistened in the sun. It symbolized what a flag symbolized to a country today. The banner was very useful in battle. 

First, it provided a point of union. Even though the countrymen may have not agreed on many things, when an enemy invaded their land, they would all rally around the flag. We witnessed that on 9/11, when liberty and freedom were in danger, everyone started flying flags and attaching flag stickers on their cars and homes. 

Second, the banner gave direction for the battle. The Color Guard was placed in the center, the line of battle was formed around them. Through the smoke of battle the troops could easily see where they were expected to be. If the colors advanced they too advanced. If the colors retired, they too retired. The outcome of a battle was dependent on the handling of the regimental colors. 

Third, a banner boosts moral in time of battle, since the banner is always the chief object of attack. Unfurling the banner in the face of the enemy is a symbol of defiance. Just as moral was boosted for the American soldier when that Marine briefly draped the American flag on the face of the Iraqi statue. And when he did the same with the old Iraqi flag, his gesture was greeted with roars of approval from the Iraqi people. 

Fourth, the banner was a source of comfort and encouragement. When a soldier was down or wounded, seeing the banner gave them the comfort of knowing that the cause which they were willing to die for, was still alive and safe. Just as the sight of the flag at daylight gave the anxious Mr. Key the joy and inspiration to write our national anthem. Although the banner is no longer used in exactly the same way it was used in ancient warfare, we still understand the symbolism of a national flag. 

( Ex 17:8-16) Moses had the rod of God in his hand and that is what he was lifting up as a banner to the men fighting below. The Israelites would begin loosing the battle when the banner was lowered and they could not see it. If they could not see the banner it meant their cause had been defeated. They would become discouraged and loose the desire to fight. But, as long as the banner or rod was raised high for all to see, the Israelites prevailed against the enemy. The cause for which they were fighting was alive and safe and they would fight united to keep it that way. ( Num. 21:9). Here, moses placed a brass serpent on a pole as a banner representing the Lord’s promise to heal. 

The Lord Jesus Christ is Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our Banner. He was lifted up as a banner for our salvation. (john 3:14). Christ is our banner representing His love for us, His work on the cross, and the victory he has promised us. (Ps. 60:4).

Jehovah-Nissi is the point of union for all believers whether Jew or Gentile. (John 12:32; Is. 11:10,12). It is the object of attack. (1 Cor 1:23). Though we may not agree on everything, it gives us something to rally around, live for and even die for. (1Cor 2:2; Phil. 1:21). Christ and His cross provide us with direction. (Col 3:1-3). Anytime the work of the cross is applied to a sinner’s life the moral of the church is boosted and there is rejoicing in heaven. (Luke 15:10). Christ our banner gives us encouragement to go on when we are down or wounded. ( Heb. 12:1-2). Fix your eyes on Christ. When Christ is preached we defy the enemy. We have no power over Satan in ourselves. But his power has been destroyed forever by the cross of Christ. Let us lift up our banner, Jehovah-Nissi, Jesus Christ our Lord which has given us the victory. 

Questions:

1. What thoughts or emotions come to you when you see our flag waving or hear our national anthem?
2. What is the purpose of a banner or flag? 
3. What are some practical ways we can display Christ as our banner? 
4. What does Jehovah-Nissi mean to you personally?