My victory banner

And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner; for he said, "Because the LORD has sworn: the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation." – Exodus 17.15-16

After God gave the victory over the Amalekites Moses built and altar to God. When he built altars he named them after special traits of the Lord. He calls this altar Jehovah-Nissi, ‘the Lord is my victory banner’ or ‘the Lord is my miracle worker.’

I am something of a sports fan. When I read this image of the Lord being my victory banner the mind’s eye goes to a great sporting event when fans from both side have their flags and banners and signs to show their support for the team. When, eventually, one team wins the arena is covered with the victor’s banners. All you can see is the colours and symbols of the victorious team. A great victory in sports always accompanied by waving flags and streaming banners.

After the battle with the Amalekites therewas only one banner. It was not the banner of the Israelite army. It was not Moses' or Aaron's or Hur’s victory banner. It was God’s.

And God’s victory banner still flies today. God has already given us the victory. 1 Corinthians 15.57 says ‘But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ I john 5.4 says ‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.’

But we don’t have to wait for the final victory. Our victory through Jshovah-Nissi allows us to ride in the great Triumph Parade

‘Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?’

As we march in victory under the banner of Jehovah-Nissi we have an impact. Our lives are a savour to those who believe as we encourage them in the victory. Our lives should also affect those around to show them the victory they can have as well.