The Banner And The Bugle
Scripture
You have given a banner to those who fear You,
That it may be displayed because of the truth.
~Psalms 60:4, NASB
Quote
We believers contend with circumstances that seem contradictory to God’s word, yet we rely totally on His word.
~John Calvin
My Thoughts
Since the days when Israel marched out of Egypt in battle formation, they have used BANNERS. Each tribe had their own banner. The Banner could be lifted high so that it would be visible from a distance. It was especially helpful in battle. In ancient times, every nation, tribe or division had its own banner. We use them mostly for decoration these days but it was not a decoration to them. First of all, it identified the group; secondly, it was a rallying point. If the troops got misplaced or the commander wanted them to gather intantly, the banner was raised. Third: it was used for messaging or sending a text. They actually gave instructions and directions with the banner. It depended on the way it was waved. It was like hand signal only more visible. It was used to rally or inspire and encourage. When the soldiers saw the banner being waved, they knew they were still in the battle and that their commander was near the banner. When the enemy won, they took the banner, so a uplifted banner signals hope. Modern soldiers us the Flag as a banner. There is a great scene depicting this very thing in the movie THE PATRIOT.
The Puritans believed the banner that David is talking about in Psalm 60 was a symbol of the WORD OF GOD {Truth}. I think ultimately, it is a symbol of Christ. This makes Song of Solomon 2:4 especially meaningful, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Imagine Jesus return with heaven’s army {angels}. Then all believers rallying to Christ to stand beneath His banner. His banner is not only truth, justice and omnipotent power: it is love.
It Psalm 60 David makes it clear that he sees the banner as TRUTH. David cried out to God in distress. He felt the cold hand of rejection and that God had desserted him on the battlefield but as he was praying God interrupted him and began to speak. This doesn happen always but it always good when it happens. David abandoned his feelings and put his confidence is what God’s said to him. Intelligent move of David’s part: Israel came from behind and won the battle.
Extra
Folks, I apologize, I tried to change something on my format and I have everything fouled up but I am going to publish as is and you can try to sort it our. The blog was long so I put the second part in Extra/Extra. We had another good day yesterday. Revival did not break out but the LORD was merciful and we had liberty to preach the wonderful gospel. Since I am late, I am going to publish without further ado.
I love the Passion bible. In it, David is quoted as saying, “You have taught us hard lessons and made us drink the wine of bewilderment.” It is the only wine I have ever tasted and I have had it often. As soon as I read that verse, I thought to myself, the lessons are here and I want to find them. With the help of the Puritans; I think I found them.
- God’s children experience seasons of chastening: our Savior never condemns us but He does correct us and sometimes this discipline is hard to endure.
- Faith prays, it speaks honestly to God [v.1, “O God, have You rejected us?”] Anytime David encountered adversity, he prays. It is his first response and it should be ours.
- God’s banner over us is His WORD; written and incarnate. David referred to it as TRUTH and this is exactly right. Luther said, “The truth stands even when the church appears weak and enemic.
- God’s word {promises} out weigh present circumstances. John Owens said, “Faith must always rest on God’s word.”
- Human strength is not reliable. The Passion Bible translates verse 11, “To test in any man is an empty hope.”
- With God’s help we shall do valiantly [v.12]. David didn’t remove his army and return home saying, “LORD, you’ve got this…” No, no, no: he surrendered but he didn’t sit. He got right with the LORD and prepared for battle.” True faith is never passive. Had David won the first skirmish, he might have been tempted to take the glory but God allowed him to fail so that He would get the glory.
Christ Himself becomes God’s banner.
He is lifted up—not merely on a pole in battle, but on the cross.
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign [banner] of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek.” (Isaiah 11:10)
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32)
Just as weary soldiers gathered around the banner for safety and direction, sinners gather around the crucified and risen Christ for salvation.
As the old hymn beautifully says:
“Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.”
The Christian’s banner is not merely a flag of conquest—it is the cross, the place where Christ won the decisive victory over sin, death, and Satan.