Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. – Exodus 17:15
When we think of God and banners, we usually think of the phrase, “His banner over me is love” (Song of Solomon 2:4). But here in Exodus, the banner refers to what had just happened: As Moses had lifted up the staff of God, the Israelites had defeated the Amalekites in battle. The altar Moses built was a tribute and memorial to the LORD’s overwhelming power against his people’s enemies.
Yikes! In today’s
Certainly, there have been times when God’s people attacked others, wrongly believing they were doing God’s work. Not all war done in God’s name is good.
But not all war is bad. God is good. He has declared war on all that is twisted, warped, and wicked in this world.* The LORD is the banner over His people. He is leading them, transforming them, preparing them for a completely redeemed world. His banner over us is love—love toward those He is redeeming. But to those who oppose God, to those who reject His good plans to remove wickedness, death, and decay from this world, there is nothing left but death. They are not only outside the LORD’s camp; they oppose it. The same banner that is love to God’s people is war to God’s enemies.
Praise God! This LORD is our banner! Would we really want to serve a God who didn’t take a stand for the good things He’s doing?
Father, thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for Your power to get good things done. Thank You for protecting Your good works. Thank You for protecting Your people, the people who have agreed to let You make them good. Thank You that You are the banner of Your people, and that those You represent will be victorious.
*I am not advocating religious wars here. I am saying that when God goes to war, He is good. When people go to war and claim they are doing God’s will, their claims are subject to examination.
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