Lesson 6What is Christ Like? |
If I give you the term banner, what comes to your mind? The word banner has come to stand for loyalties or standards of mankind, to the extent that some people are willing to die for that banner. A banner could be a flag or pole or anything that mankind can rally around that represents a cause or standard. If the banner or cause is believed in, it will energize a person and drive him forward to do something when he thinks that he cannot take another step or his standard is challenged. Those who will see their banner moving forward, will move to it and with it.
Some of us have set banners in their moral lives for which they will die. In this they are so firm that they will not change their lives. Changing will mean that they will have to lower their banner, their standards. The term banner has meant a lot for mankind. Is this the way God wants us to see Him?
The name that we are studying is Jehovah-nissi (Je-ho′- vah nis-see), which means Jehovah my banner. Let us expound on this name. The word nissi means unchangeable banner, the self-existent banner. So God is a banner. What is so important about being a banner? Before answering the question, let us examine how this name is used in Exodus 17:8-15.
Israel had experienced hunger and thirst on their journey after leaving Egypt. Then they were attacked by the Amalekites. The Amalekites were descendants of Issac’s son, Esau. They were the first nation that came against and attacked the Isrealites after they left Egypt. During the battle, Moses stood on top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed against the Amalekites. When Moses became tired and his hands were not raised, the Amalekites prevailed. So a stone was placed for Moses to sit on and Aaron and Hur held up his hands. Then Joshua and the Israelites were able to defeat the Amalekites.
Moses’ hands were symbolic of the rod of God or the banner of God. Under God’s raised banner there is sure victory. Moses built an altar and called it Jehovah-nissi. He wanted God’s people to always remember that it is only through God, Our Banner, that victory is certain. For Christians, Jesus Christ is our banner. He is our “standard.” If we lift Him up in our lives like a banner, there is certain victory for us, regardless of the odds.
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