This week the nation experienced the first presidential debate of 2024 and the country held its breath. I only watched the highlights because I was taking time to study, rest, and listen to God during the debate time.
I had no interest in sitting in front of a television and listening to two politicians argue for an hour and a half. Frankly, I am tired of hearing about and watching American politics deteriorate.
- Deception
- Corruption
- Greed
Neither candidate represents my political or biblical beliefs. I believe it is safe to say neither political party is good, nor can they save America. God help us, if we have to rely on a political party or man to turn the country around.
That is why as a conservative, I choose to put my hope and faith in God alone. The hearts and ways of man have been corrupted since the fall (Genesis 6:5-22.) All men have corrupt hearts.
However, there is no debating God’s goodness, nature, or His sovereign power. God’s people are called to rely on Him for our needs, strength, and victory (Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 17:5-9, Philippians 4:19.) No political party can save us if God isn’t our banner!
Banner
Banners have become important in the world we live in, flags represent the nations we live in and what we believe in. A banner is defined as, “A sign displaying a distinctive or symbolic device or legend; one presented as an award of honor or distinction.”
Marketers understand the importance of distinctive banners for a brand. Banners are symbolic of what we believe and value.
Christians display religious symbolism on flags, clothing, jewelry, and even home decorations as banners of what we believe.
Crosses and religious symbols like a fish represent where we place our hope. The early church understood the importance of putting their hope in God and how that hope separated them from the world (Luke 2:1-52, Acts 7:15-16; 17:1-15.)
Jesus humbled Himself before God exalted Him on the cross and then on the throne (Acts 5:30.) The early church remembered the importance of God being their banner.
Nês
God’s people are called to put their faith and trust in God instead of themselves or this world and what it offers. Israel was commanded to place their hope in God (Exodus 15:2, Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 46:1.)
In ancient times armies flew banners and flags during times of war to signal who they were and fought for. The Hebrew word for banner is nês and it can also mean, “Distinguishing mark, sign, lifted up or signal,” depending on the context it was used in.
Moses used a derivative of nês to name an altar dedicated to God after God gave Israel the victory over the Amalekites and called it Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord is my banner. It became an anthem for Israel each time God gave them victory over other nations.
- The Egyptians
- The Perizzites
- The Amalekites
- The Hittites
- The Girgashites
- The Amorites
- The Canaanites
Jesus comforted His followers by reminding them that God has already overcome the world (Isaiah 5: 20, Matthew 19:28, John 14:27, Revelation 13:1-18.) Jesus was lifted up on a cross and became the banner for the church. Nothing can satisfy God’s people like Jesus.
He defeated death and Satan when God raised Him up on the cross (Acts 2:24, Romans 6:4, 1 Corinthians 6:14.) The New Testament writers understood that the name of Jesus is our banner (Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 12:2.)
Jesus is our only hope. Like our Jewish stepfathers, God is our banner because He alone fights our battles and gives us victory over our enemies.
Oklahoma
This week the state of Oklahoma demanded that the 10 Commandments be displayed in all schools and that the Bible be taught as part of school curriculum.
Like many Christians, I have mixed feelings about this ruling. I believe the Bible should be taught in the home first and the church second.
Biblically, it is the parents’ responsibility to teach Scripture and train their children how to live by the Bible (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21.)
The last thing we need is the government trying to teach our children about faith or God. There are too many perversions and misunderstandings about Scripture and God in the world already.
Scripture is not up for debate by anyone, certainly not our government. Secondly, I don’t believe religion should be forced on anyone. Faith and salvation are a free gift, not a mandate by the church or the government.
Historically, proselytization doesn’t lead to true salvation and often turns of people away from God. God alone can save us (Ephesians 2:8-10.)
- Roman Empire
- The Crusades
- Dawa
If we truly believe only Jesus saves, we cannot do the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus never forced God on anyone. Faith in Jesus is a free choice we make unbegrudgingly.
One of the pillars of America is religious freedom, not forced religion. We cannot value freedom and then abuse freedom. As much is we want it to be, God is not America’s nês.
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