Song of Solomon 2:4 – He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. (NKJV)

I can't help but notice all the banners flying around on cars for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. As the matches begin today, the stadiums will be filled with people waving banners in support of their country's team. Coincidentally, today in the Province of Ontario, where I live, an election takes place, and there are banners along the roadways showing electors who to vote for and where to go to cast their votes. A banner is also a sign used to proclaim victory, as, for example, when a conquering army returns home, or when people reach a mountain top, leaving a banner proclaiming that they have reached a new height.

"Jehovah nissi" is Hebrew for "The Lord is my banner". This is what Moses publicly proclaimed:

Exodus 17:15 – And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner. (NKJV)

The World Cup will come and go; this election will come and go. What will remain are people who are happy and people who are disappointed at the outcomes of the Cup event and the election results. The banners will disappear back into people's homes and into storage for the next event or election.

Psalm 20:5 – We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. (NKJV)

All who trust in Jesus and rejoice in His salvation have a common interest, a bond that links us inseparably together. Imagine, if you can, a stadium or the streets lined with banners for Jesus. He is truly the Great Conqueror, having died out of love for us, and having risen in glorious victory over the scourge of death. Jesus left the mandate to us in His Word that we are to represent Him as His banners to the lost of the world:

Mark 16:15 – And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (NKJV)

Truly, Jesus' banner over us is love. More than ever, this world needs to feel and see the love in His banner. Our role is to show the world His love and who He is.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, may we always be conscious of the fact that the banner over our life is You and Your love. Help us daily to proclaim our banner to the world. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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