Ah, November! Erratic weather, premature Christmas decorations, and college football. College football manages to elicit incredible passion from a lot of people. People like to wear their favorite “team gear” and display their team banner on their property. You can usually identify a household’s allegiance by the flag they fly somewhere on their home or in their yard.
Banners were important in the Bible, too. One example can be found in Exodus 17:8-16.
The Story
While wandering through the wilderness, the Israelites came to a place near Mt. Sinai called Rephidim. There they complained about having no water, and God miraculously supplied it from a rock. While camping at Rephidim, another nomadic group, the Amalekites, came and threatened them.
The father of the Amalekites, Amalek, was the grandson of Esau. The wandering Israelites were the descendants of Jacob. Centuries before, Jacob deceived his brother Esau and cheated him out of both the family birthright and their father’s blessing. So years of family turmoil and hostility were about to boil over.
A fierce battle ensued. Moses stood atop a nearby hill and raised his staff over the battle. As long as he held the staff high, the Israelites prevailed. But when his arms grew weak that he could not hold up the staff, the Amalekites prevailed. So Moses’ two assistants, Aaron and Our, sat him on a rock and held his arms up. After an all-day battle, the Israelites prevailed.
To commemorate God’s miraculous help, Moses set up an altar and named it in Hebrew Yahweh-Nissi. In English that name translates to Yahweh Is My Banner.
What Is a Banner?
This banner concept was possibly something the Israelites learned from their years with the Egyptians. When we think of a banner, we think of flag or pice of cloth flapping in the breeze. But in the Old Testament times, a banner was a very tall poll that was vividly decorated at the top. During troop movements and especially during battle, the banner served several important purposes.
First, it identified the army. One identified as a soldier of the army which the banner represented. To line up under a banner was to declare one’s ultimate allegiance to what or whom the banner represented.
Second, it oriented the army. Things could get hectic on the battlefield. It could be easy for someone to lose their bearings and not realize where they were. The banner was elevated so high, that you could see it from anywhere and make sure you stayed in proper perspective to it.
Third, it directed the army. Wherever and whenever the banner went, the people followed. If you got ahead of or too far behind the banner, you became vulnerable.
How is Yahweh our Banner?
We can draw comparisons from each of the secular purposes of the Nissi.
First, our identity and allegiance should be exclusively to Jesus Christ. Regardless of our other identities, who we are IN CHRIST matters most. On the cross He made it possible for us to be His. Identity in Him matters more than our ethnic or historical heritage. It matters more than our social or economic station in life. It gives greater value than our jobs, education, or accomplishments. He is far more glorious than any other identity we could take.
Second, Jesus and His Kingdom provide the only true and successful way of viewing and living life. Jesus said when we seek His kingdom first, He will provided everything we need in life. (Matthew 6:25-34) We cannot find that promise anywhere else in life.
Finally, we are guaranteed safe passage when we follow Jesus; when the Bible directs our life. Jesus promises that those who hear and heed His word survive the storms of life. (Matthew 7:24-27)
How to Live Under His Banner
1. Trust that God’s intentional and purposeful power is positively at work in and around you. Look for His activity in your daily circumstances. (Romans 8:28-29)
2. Read, study, and follow God’s Word daily. God uses His Word to feed, shape, and direct your life. There are not shortcuts or secret hacks. Plan to systematically read and study the Bible. (Psalm 119:105)
3. Ask the Holy Spirit each day to do work in you that only He can do. Ask Him to bear HIS fruit through you. You can accomplish His fruit by trying harder humanly. Surrender to Him and receive His help. (Galatians 5:22-23)
One last word. Living a Yahweh Is My Nissi life is a daily adventure. Some days you will find you are more aligned than others. But Jesus has purchased everything you need to life the life He intends you to live. He has made it possible. March on!