In war, banners/flags were often used to indicate the leader/country an approaching army represented. It was also generally multiple soldiers’ job to hold the banner – the banner must always be waving – as the banner went so did the army. If a soldier died holding the banner, another would pick it up and move forward. Some banners inspired fear; others did not.
On their way to Mount Sinai, the children of Israel were attacked by the Amalekites. God instructed Moses to send Joshua and his men to attack the Amalekites and Moses would stand atop a hill overseeing the battle. As long as Moses lifted his hands with the staff God had given him, the Israelites prevailed but if he got tired and lowered his hand the Amalekites surged forward. So Aaron broke Moses a stone to sit on and helped Moses hold up his hands (Aaaron on one side; Hur on the other). WIth their help, Moses was able to keep his hands lifted until sundown and Joshua was able to overwhelm the enemy. On the top of the hill, Moses built an alter to God and inscribed it with Jehovah Nissi, The Lord is My Banner. Moses’ inscription was incredibly significant for the Israelites at the time and for future soldiers of God. Moses credited God with their victory – as long as God went before them the children of Israel would win any battle. The Israelites banner, after the wanderings, inspired fear. For wherever the Israelites went in the Land of Promise, so did God. Their enemies trembled at the sight of Israelites because they understood it was not the Israelites they were truly fighting but God. Wherever God’s banner went, victory followed.
Jehovah Nissi exists still to this day.
Soldiers for Christ do not go into battle alone and we do not fight for our own kingdom. Soldiers in God’s army carry the Banner of Jehovah. While we do not fight physical battles like the children of Israel did, we fight in the more important battle – the spiritual battle against Satan and his armies. Like those in Canaan who trembled at the approach of the Israelites, Satan and those who follow him tremble at the sight of God’s banner. While it may seem impossible or victory on this earth may elude God’s soldiers, we must remember we are not fighting for a kingdom of this world. We fight for God’s kingdom and the gates of hell will never prevail against it. One the final day, when the armies of the Lord completely assemble and we stand behind Jesus and hold His banner, victory is ensured.
As a soldier in Christ’s army, we. must carry the Lord’s Banner. We are the messengers telling the world of God’s approach. When one of us passes from this life, those who remain must pick up the banner and move forward.
We fight under the banner of Jehovah– nothing in this world or the next can truly defeat us as long as we carry His banner. #SoldiersforChrist #TheLordisMyBanner
Adonai's Appeal 