SEARCHLIGHT
Are you experiencing security in life?
SCRIPTURE
Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi [which means “the Lord is my banner”. Exodus 17:15 NLT
SPOTLIGHT
Knowing someone’s name is so important. But knowing someone by name is even more important! Do you personally know any of the “Who’s Who of the World”? Maybe you know about some prominent people who have world influence but more than likely you don’t personally know them by name. Here’s the twist. You can personally know the “Who’s Who of the Universe”! God, the living Creator of all, wants you to personally know Him by name.
The “Who’s Who of the Universe” has chosen to reveal Himself by identifying His 9 compound names in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. In order to personally know the Living God by name, ask yourself the following question in the next paragraph.
What banners are worth waving? People wave banners to declare their association and agreement with someone or something. Perhaps they fly a flag, wear a t-shirt or hat, get a tattoo, or put a bumper sticker on their car in order to communicate their support and belief in a person or idea. Some people display plaques which might say “Don’t talk to me before I get my coffee!” That person is declaring his/her dependency on coffee!
All of us choose banners to carry and wave. Maybe your designer clothes emblem is what you want people to see. Or maybe it is the type of car you drive. They give you security and confidence. The question is “Are you displaying God’s banner?”
In today’s Scripture focus we MEET THE GREATEST CONQUEROR. Moses declared one of God’s names as being Jehovah Nissi which means “The Lord Our Banner.” As Joshua led the Israelites in victory over the Amalekites, everyone knew it was because God gave the victory. Nathan Stone wrote, “For Israel was indeed an ill-equipped, ill-disciplined, inexperienced mob, going out against a well-armed and experienced foe.” [Stone-Names of God-P85] Moses lifted high the rod of God. This was God’s banner. As long as his arms held high the rod, the Israelites won. When he lowered his arms, they began to lose. Arms up or down stated that victory alone was because of God. No matter what the odds, security and victory would be experienced as long as God’s banner was displayed.
Previously, Moses had declared God as the Greatest Conqueror when he used the same rod of God to pronounce plagues on the Egyptians. As a result, the Israelites were set free from bondage. They experienced deliverance from oppression. Later, Moses parted the Red Sea with the same rod so that the Israelites could again be delivered. Moses’ rod of God was the banner of God which gave them the security and victory they desperately needed.
If you are like me, you have a longing to experience a life filled with security and victory. Have you heard that Jesus Christ longs to provide for you the security and victory you need in life? Do you know that Jesus Christ wants to be your banner? This became real to Nicodemus as Jesus spoke with him about being on right terms with God. Jesus identified Himself as being “The Lord Our Banner.” He said, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the son of man must be lifted up that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God, so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” [John 3:14,15,16 NIV]
The cross that Jesus died on for your sin is the most important banner you can hold or wave. Calvary is the banner of redemption. It means you have been forgiven of your sin through Christ shedding His blood. It also means that Jesus has given you eternal life. That, my friend, is both security and victory. 1.) When Jesus is your banner, you are on right terms with God. You are declaring that His death and resurrection have given you personal freedom from sin, death and hell. 2.) When Jesus is your banner, He is present with you at all times and empowers you with all you need to live life well. Jesus promised “I will be with you always even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28:20] If Jesus is your banner, who can be against you for you are more than a conqueror. [Romans 8:31,37]
Everyone is a sinner. Sin separates everyone from God. Satan works to keep everyone separated from God. Everyone is in a spiritual struggle, whether it is known or unknown. No one can solve these problems on their own. Everyone needs God to be their banner. God the Father gives Jesus Christ to be everyone’s banner. This is why the Bible states, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” [1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV]
MEET THE GREATEST CONQUEROR. Jesus Christ is His name. He promises freedom from the fear of death and hell when anyone declares, “Jesus is The Lord My Banner.” What a wonderful way to live life knowing that you are right with God, headed to heaven, and protected by God here on earth. That, my friend, is the ultimate security and victory.
The next time you see someone on the corner of a street waving a plaque card to encourage you to vote for someone, ask yourself a question. Is your life displaying a message that Jesus Christ is the Greatest Conqueror? He provides forgiveness of sin and eternal life for anyone who believes. Do your words and deeds direct people to personally “vote” for Jesus the way you have?
SOMETHING TO DO
Under God’s banner, security and victory are always yours. Read Deuteronomy 20:3,4; Psalm 20:5; 60:4; Song of Solomon 2:4; and 2 Corinthians 2:14.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord God, thank You for being “The Lord My Banner!” I know You by name. You give me security and a sense of victory for living life well. I am so grateful to personally know You through Your Son, Jesus Christ, the Greatest Conqueror. I will wave Your banner! AMEN