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| Volume 25 Number 8 August 2023 |
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| Volume 25 Number 8 August 2023 |
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A Royal Banner
Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
“There’s a royal banner given for display to the soldiers of the King. As an ensign fair, we lift it up today, while as ransomed ones we sing. Marching on, marching on; for Christ count everything but loss; for the King of kings, toil and sing, neath the banner of the cross.” Christians are so blessed to lift up the ensign (flag or banner) of our King! A banner or a flag defines and identifies the ones under that banner. Thusly, as we raise high the banner of Christ, we identify with the Savior of the world and allow His will to define us and to shape us. A royal people (1 Peter 2:9) under the royal King’s banner is how Christians live each day. This past week, the White House’s south portico was draped with a Pride Flag between two U.S. flags to honor so-called “Pride” month. This ungodly action was done in an attempt to identify our American government as godless and as a call to all Americans to honor those who identify with the LGBTQ+ agenda. There are several problems with that attempt, but one major problem is that not all Americans and no true Christians rally around such disgraceful banners. Shortly after the children of Israel left Egypt on their way to the promised land, they encountered an enemy of God’s people, the Amalekites. After God defeated this arch enemy, Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah-nissi, which means “The Lord is my banner” (Exodus 17:15). How comforting for us to face the times in which we live with the Lord as our banner. What is the Lord’s banner all about?
Firstly, the Lord’s banner is a banner of protection. During the wilderness wandering, Moses, at God’s command, made a “banner” for Israel to look at and be saved from venomous snakes (Numbers 21:4-9). Centuries later, Jesus reminded the people of His day that He was the ultimate fulfillment of that banner. “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:14-15 NKJV). Isaiah encouragingly prophesied, “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious” (Isaiah 11:10). The banner under which Christians rally is not devised and advanced by man, but is the invincible banner of protection that originates with our Lord!
Secondly, the Lord’s banner is a banner of connection. One does not have to look very far in our world today to see that banners or flags of mankind bring about division and destruction. Violence, hatred and ungodly pride are the results of rallying under worldly banners. While manmade banners attempt to unite and connect people, the opposite is the reality. However, the banner of Christ is one that connects those who truly rally under it. Christ’s banner destroys racial and ethnic boundaries, and it connects all of humanity regardless of background, color, nationality or economic status, etc. “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:14). Although mankind seems oblivious to this fact, Christ’s banner is the only banner that will ever bring peace to a divided world.
Thirdly, the Lord’s banner is a banner of liberation. The flag that was recently raised on the White House’s portico is said to liberate and free people. In fact, those who endorse the “rainbow colored flag” affirm that “being you,” no matter what that means (no boundaries), brings freedom and liberation from a “narrow” and constricted way of life. Dear friends, that is a lie which the devil has been telling since he first deceived Adam and Eve. If it comes from the devil, you can be assured it is not true, for the devil “…is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44a). The Lord’s banner does not restrict and confine but rather brings true liberation. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). Sadly, many will believe the lies that the devil tells, but you and I do not have to believe those lies. True freedom and liberation come only by rallying under the Lord’s banner, and that truth will never change (Matthew 24:35), no matter who says otherwise!
In a world filled with all types of flags and banners, Christians must be wise and be careful under which flag they rally. Rallying under a flag identifies, defines and directs us on our daily journey to eternity. None of the flags that originate with man will ever lead one to eternal bliss. However, the wonderful banner of Christ solely leads us to a hope beyond our comprehension (1 Peter 1:3-4; Acts 4:12). The Lord’s banner is a banner of truth and righteousness that gives victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The question comes to us, “What can we do in a world where many ungodly banners are being raised?” What can the righteous do? The same thing that the righteous have always done; “Though the foe may rage and gather as the flood, Let the standard be displayed; and beneath its folds, as soldiers of the Lord, for the truth be not dismayed!” March on church, and do not lose heart!
