by Linda Veath
At that time the new king from the family of Jesse will stand as a banner for the people. The nations will come together around him. And the place where he lives will be filled with glory. ~ Isaiah 11:10 NCV (The Everyday Bible)
I couldn’t stop smiling. At long last I was able to hang the red, white, and blue flag of the United States — Old Glory — on my home. I loved watching it dance in the wind. My parents were no doubt smiling with me in heaven.
The spring of the year seems to bring out the flag in abundance as we celebrate VE-Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, D-Day, Flag Day, and July 4th. (If you don’t know what all these days are, try searching online to learn the history of each.)
A flag or banner is usually made of fabric. Countries like the USA, as well as states, cities, and organizations, have their individual flags, memorializing or symbolizing something from their history. The USA’s flag has fifty stars for fifty states and 13 stripes for the 13 colonies that declared independence from England.
A military banner can symbolize conquest or victory. A banner can also be an emblem of protection over all who live under that banner. People rally around their banners — be it on Iwo Jima in the Pacific Ocean or in the midst of the debris of the Twin Towers in New York City.
God has given His children many banners over the years. Each of the twelve tribes of Israel had its flag. But the greatest banner God gave to His children is Jesus Christ — God’s banner of love. Jesus went to war for us, raised on the cross where He defeated sin, death, and the grave. He continues to go to war for us as He protects and guides us in our daily battle with sin, nurturing us with His love, mercy, and grace. And His Resurrection power brings us eternal life.
Jesus, the Messiah, is the rallying point for all those who would come and put their trust in Him. He is the banner of love, displayed for all the world to see.
Yes, indeed — the Lord is our Banner! Amen.