May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: The Lord fulfill all your petitions.  Psalm 20:5

When Julius Caesar, a great military leader, raised a banner for all to see, it was a call to arms.  Men stopped what they were doing and ran home to gather their weapons.  They knew they were going to war.  What set Caesar apart from other Caesars was that he went with his men into battle.  His men learned they would never be asked to do something that Caesar was unwilling to do.  Because of that, their love and loyalty to him were legendary, as were Caesar’s conquests and expansion. 

When my father left home to board a ship for France in the early 1940s, he did so after saying goodbye to his family. They didn’t go with him; there was only a send-off. They embraced him, eyes full of tears, and placed a few mementos into his army duffel bag: a small New Testament, some food for the journey, a letter, and the promise of love and prayers. (His father would die during my dad’s deployment.)

There is no send-off when God raises a banner and sends me out to live in His name.  He goes with me. No amount of danger will cause Him to shrink back.  Jehovah Nissi does not become a casualty, unlike the standard bearers in Earth’s wars.  He is Lord of the angel armies.  He has unlimited resources.  No matter how much courage I need, there is a promise.  No matter what provision I lack, He makes it available.  No matter what healing I require, He is the Physician on call. 

I can never say to Jehovah Nissi, ‘You don’t understand what it’s like.’ He does understand. Jesus came and lived as a mortal man, facing the same dangers, limitations, and vulnerabilities. He shared the same dependence on a God He could not see and the same need to live prayerfully, relying on the promises of Scripture. 

Living in alien territory with God as our banner has never been more vital, yet challenging. We live in a world that is hostile to God. Fifty years ago, identifying as a Christian often received positive reactions. That is rarely the case today. I may feel tempted to conceal my faith by leading a moral life and demonstrating kindness and grace to others. However, the world isn’t redeemed with niceties. Oh, that we would be eager and humbly grateful to call Jehovah Nissi our banner!   

Forgive me for all the times I’ve taken shortcuts in my testimony. I will wear the colors of Christ. Amen.