Raise the Banner

READ PSALM 60

Psalm 60:4 (ESV)

⁴ You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah.

Rallying cries often involve a flag being waved or a banner being raised. This fall I attended our local high school's football game every Friday. There were games when our team would score a touchdown and we would take the lead. When we did there were three boys who would raise their school banners and run up and down the sideline in celebration. The school marching band kicked into the fight song and the student section cheered loudly!

But there was one game where our team was being beaten badly. We were down three or four touchdowns and had no chance of winning. Near the end of the game we scored a touchdown. It meant nothing, but I loved how those three boys still rose their flags and ran up and down the sideline in celebration. When the band saw it they kicked into the fight song, and the student section followed suit and cheered loudly.

The score didn't matter. Whether our team was winning or losing, when the banner went up our school was unified!

In Psalm 60 we are told that Israel's army, under the leadership of King David, finds itself in constant battles against foreign enemies. There is a back and forth, winning and losing, victories and defeat. The Psalmist laments for the the Lord to restore them, to bring victory, and to set up a banner for them to rally toward.

Ultimately, King David knew that all victory was given by the Lord!

When you confess belief in Jesus he raises a banner in your heart. Your allegiance to Him should be worn proudly, and every time you're given the opportunity to cheer and proclaim His Name you should do it. Whether it's at your school, your work, or out for dinner in your neighborhood, the banner of Christ should be on display.

Basically, wherever the light of Jesus needs to shine.

This world is full of foolishness, ignorance, and a dismissive attitude toward the Truth of Christ. If you didn't know better you would think Christianity is losing...but you DO know better. The Word of the Lord tells us how the story ends. The banner is raised high and your fear of the Lord should trump any consequences from the culture.

So cheer loudly!

Josh Huisman is the senior pastor of Crosswalk Church in Brentwood, TN.

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