Today's encouragment is another one of my pastor's paragraphs. Is the Lord your Banner?
Jehovah-Nissi
Via Google Images
"And Moses built an alter and called its name, The-Lord-is-My-Banner; for he said, 'Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'" (Exodus 17:15-16).
Queen Elizabeth II of England has three royal residences (Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Palace of Holyrood) plus two private homes. This could be confusing for those who want to find her except for one important fact: the queen's banner always flies over whichever residence she is currently occupying. If her banner of blue and gold is on the flagpole, the queen is sure to be present.
Moses also had a banner. After the battle with the army of Amalek, he built an alter and called it "The-Lord-is-My-Banner", translated from Jehovah-Nissi. Moses wanted everyone to know that God was in residence with His people. Despite the attacks of the Amalekites, God would never desert the people of Israel. Generation after generation could look up and know that the Lord was present in their mindset.
As Christians, we should raise the Lord's banner over our lives. No matter how difficult our situation becomes, God will not abandon His covenant people. The apostle John declared, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). And Jesus said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). If the King is present, His banner should fly. Is it obvious to those around you that the King is in residence in your life? Make sure that His flag, colored with faith, hope, and love, flies over the castle of your life. It's a privilege to fly that banner, it's a shame not to. If the King is in residence, be sure to fly His flag. Additionally, since the Lord is present when the saints assemble in the Lord's church, His banner should be present and obvious to members and guests alike.