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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Celebrating the amazing 250th birthday of our nation brings so many images to mind — patriots and the way patriotism joins us together, sacrificial offerings to secure our nation and, of course, our flag.
We revere and honor the American flag. We sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and recall the story of bravery reflected in its lyrics.
I hope you will take time to reread all four stanzas of this poignant song. If you do, take note of some of the phrases, including:
• O say, can you see? We watched over the ramparts, and the rocket’s red glare gave proof that the flag was still there (therefore they had hope to continue).
• The foe’s haughty host (threatened us, taunted us).
• And, the star-spangled banner, in triumph, doth wave.
• May we praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
•And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
I expect we will sing this together, and hear it sung repeatedly throughout this exceptional celebration. This flag, the star-spangled banner, is not a new thing.
Scripture speaks of God’s banner, and it’s defined as something lifted up — a standard, signal, sign, flag or beacon, with the root word meaning to gleam from afar.
In Exodus 17:15, Moses built an altar and called it “The Lord is my Banner.” It carried a message, as he led all to praise God for their victory.
It was customary to plant a visual for all to see, to establish a place to gather and acknowledge God was the source of their victory. The Hebrew word “Yahweh-nissi” means Yahweh/God is my banner.
In the New American Standard Bible, Psalm 60:4 reads: “You/God have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth.”
A rallying flag. A ray of hope to see. A visual for those to assemble under and a banner for the sake of truth.
Isaiah 62:10 tells us to lift a signal flag for the nations.
What is the message to us today? Do we wave our banner high? Is He the standard for us and our lives?
Do we gather around the Lord for hope and comfort and direction? Do we display this beacon of light in a dark world? Does our light gleam, reflecting God’s love for others?
Do we sing truth saying that our motto is “in God is our trust?”
I pray yes. Enjoy this wonderful occasion and commemoration.
Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
