Our world is filled with celebrations. From the familiar days like Flag Day, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving Day, to the little-known days like National Croissant Day we are always looking to celebrate something or someone. Did you know that there is even a “National No Socks Day”?
But one day that generally seems to unite all Americans is July 4th – Independence Day. We are thankful for the freedom that was achieved that day and we are honored to raise the American flag in our homes, churches and civic centers.
Exodus Chapter 17 talks about an event where the children of Israel raised a flag. Shortly after their victory from Pharoah and the bondage of Egypt came a war that they were not equipped to fight. No sooner had they collectively let out the sigh of relief from the beatings on their back, came the terrifying sounds of a new war.
Notice here that this war came as soon as they started their journey to Canaan, the Promised Land. Didn’t God promise to Moses that He would lead them to land flowing with milk and honey after they celebrate the Passover? Did not God give them the assurance that if they put the sign of lamb’s blood on their doorposts that they would be spared from the wrath of the angel of death? Of course, He did!
So why does He allow this deafening sound of the Amalekite army? Sometimes God allows us some trials to teach us new things. He wants us to not just know what he can do, but more importantly, He wants us to know HIM. He wants us to experience Him in a very personal way.
Moses knew this very well. So, he did what he knew best. He raised his hands and surrendered. But it is not the kind of surrender that we do when we throw in the towel and say “I can’t anymore”, or “I’ve had it”. This is a different kind of surrender.
This is a surrender to the Almighty God. His lifting up of hands did not mean that Amalekites had won. Rather it meant the opposite. When Moses lifted his hands the Israelites won the battle.
As you read this article, you may be facing some battles where the enemy is telling you to give up. He wants you to throw your hands up and surrender. Do it! But do it the way Moses did.
And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner. (Exodus 17:15 NKJV)
In this battle Moses had his helpers, his prayer partners, Aaron and Hur. Moses also had his warrior partners like Joshua who were ready to fight the battle till the victory was won.
Today as you go through life’s struggles Raise That Flag and shout it out loud in faith – Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is my Banner!
Dew Drops of Manna 