The Pastor’s Blog – THE BANNER
Marj dropped off these beautiful banners at the church this week. She said, “We need some Easter banners!” She was right! They are now displayed in the foyer of the church – the first thing you will see when you enter the building. Thank you Marj.
I am amazed that someone has the skill to do such beautiful work. This gift was given to the church family, but most of all it was for God. They are beautiful reminders of the message of Easter – Amazing Love and Christ is Risen!
I wonder how long the church has used banners to help aid congregations in their worship? I am sure it goes back many centuries. I also know that the idea of banners goes back to Old Testament times, though with a slightly different use.
Psalm 20:5 says, “May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.”
Banners were used in battle to let soldiers know where they were to rally. It was a means of identity. Banners were used for signals, to let troops know when to advance and when to retreat. Banners also identified who the army fought for.
In Exodus 17:15 the use of banners is taken a step further. There we read, “Moses built an altar and called it ‘The Lord is my Banner’.” This was after the battle with the Amalekites, where victory followed as long as Moses’ arms with lifted up. The victory was clearly the Lord’s. Therefore, Moses declares that the Lord is the banner of God’s people. God gives His people their identity, their rallying place, their direction. Victory is His, and those who rally to Him find themselves on the winning side. The Lord covers his people like a banner, one that declares his presence and his victory.
So as I look at the new banners for our church, they carry a great message through the art work, and by simply being what they are: banners. They remind us that God is our banner! They remind us that God is over us to give us identity, direction and victory. What a precious gift. Thank you, Marj!
– Pastor Gary