HIS BANNER OVER ME
(Psalm 18:29-31) For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
[30] As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
[31] For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
(Song of Solomon 2:4) He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
On July 21, 1861 the First Battle of Bull Run occurred. It was the first real major conflict of the American Civil War. A Union army, consisting of 28,000 men, fought 33,000 Confederates. The Union army, under pressure to crush the rebellion in the South, marched towards Richmond, but met the Confederate forces coming from the North. At the beginning of this five hour battle, the soldiers had the confederates on the run except for one brigade led by General Thomas Jonathan Jackson. Jackson was known for his stubbornness and resilience to stand against any opposition. One man from another division saw General Jackson mounted on his horse with such fierce boldness that he yelled out, “There stands Jackson like a stone wall…rally behind him”, hence the nickname, “Stonewall Jackson”.
Although the enemy’s shots were flying all around them, they saw Jackson standing before them as an unbreakable wall of stone. Hearts of fear turned upward soaring with unwavering courage and newfound hope for victory. That day, in the heat of battle, General Jackson was a symbol of valor for the Confederate soldiers. His banner of strength ascended above the battle field as a symbol of immoveable bravery for his men. Even in the face of the raging war they were anchored with a confidence that no enemy could shake. It was the banner and courage of one man’s life standing in the position of victory that made the difference upon the battle field. Fighting under the shadow and safety of Jackson’s stance, the enemy’s power to prevail diminished. All we need at times in the battle is one act of valor anchored in the truth of victory for us to make it! The battles we face every day of this life were never meant for us to fight, for THEY ARE GOD’S, Hallelujah!
Today, there is a banner flying high above our life and it stands for victory for each and every one of us. This banner is a symbol of hope and courage. Every foe, every circumstance, all fear and suffering, every pain, struggle or strife exists under the shadow of this Holy Banner. It never lowers itself from above your life, not even in the darkness will it seek to rest from its purpose; to soar above you as a symbol of hope all the days of your life. It is this Holy Banner that will fly over your life no matter what you face, until the day you die. The Lord Jesus Christ is an ever present help and a steadfast commander we can follow no matter where HE leads. As we see in our text, David learned to trust HIM and let the Lord fight his battles. Solomon, shows us the beautiful picture of feasting at the Lords table under HIS banner. My friend, HIS Banner over you is; HIS Cross, HIS Blood, HIS Word, ALL of HIS promises, and HIS love! If you’re feeling defeated, lift up your head and keep your eyes on your COMMANDER. Take courage today, and give your battles to HIM. Jesus has NEVER lost a fight!
Bro. Lawrence Longworth Isaiah 61:1 “the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
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