In Exodus 17, Moses was bombarded with cantankerous Israelites complaining of thirst, blaming him for their discomfort. The LORD (all capitals- his covenant God) told him, “Pass on before the people, taking with you some of the elders of Israel, and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” God, gracious God, supplied water.
Then Moses was challenged by the bellicose Amalekites, and he sent Joshua to fight. Moses stood on top of a hill with God’s staff, Aaron and Hur at his sides to support him and hold up his arms when they tired. “So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.” Israel, by God’s grace, prevailed. “And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, ‘A hand upon the throne of the Lord!'” Jehovah Nissi, “The LORD my banner.” What a banner He is!
The Banner my Glory, my Standard.
The Banner our identity in battle and life.
The Banner under which I stand for refuge, regrouping, respite.
The Banner where God’s people rally together for mutual encouragement and fellowship.
The Banner with which I call others for shelter, deliverance, comfort.
The Banner that leads us forward.
Jehovah Nissi, Your banner over me is love. May I wave Your banner joyfully and high, with eager heart and steady hands. You are my soul’s glory, joy, and crown. (Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalm 20:5)
As the rain and snow 