Scripture

Moses built an altar there and named it “Yahweh- nissi” (which means “the Lord is my banner”).

Observation

Following the Lord, the people of Israel come to Rephidim, but there is no water for them. They start to grumble and complain.

Moses goes to the Lord, who commands him to strike the rock with his staff. Moses does so, and water comes gushing out.

The Amalekite warriors come to fight Israel. Moses stands at the top of a hill. As long as he holds his staff up, the Israelites prevail. But when he lowers the staff, the Amalekites start to win. Aaron and Hur stand beside Moses and support his arms. As a result, Joshua’s army overwhelm the Amalekites.

Application

Just as the Amalekites warred against Israel for generations, so too christians are in a constant and unrelenting battle against satan.

In this warfare, the Lord has promised that He is our banner.

The banner, standard or flag, served many functions in ancient warfare.

1. It identified the armies and which king they belonged to. The Lord is the head of our army, and we should always look to Him.

2. They were a rallying point for the soldiers because they identified where the general was. When you feel disoriented or confused in the battle, turn to the Lord and refocus on Him.

3. They provided a point of cohesion and unity for the army. You are not fighting the battle alone- you have a church, local and global, with you.

4. They reminded the troops that there was a cause they were fighting for. We are not fighting against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers and principalities that have already been defeated by the blood of Christ.

Prayer

Yahweh- nissi, you are my banner. Please help me to remember this when the battle rages around me. Amen.