Banners Unfurled

Psalm 20:5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

If you live in Northern Ireland it would have not gone unnoticed that this past week has seen “The Twelfth” come and go. For those who live outside Northern Ireland, The Twelfth is a commemoration and celebration of the victory of King William over King James at the battle of the Boyne. This commemoration is held on the 12th July every year.

The men who march are called orange men as King William was known as Prince William of Orange, from Holland. These men march behind banners, bannerettes and flags. The banners depict different scenes of victories of the Battle of the Boyne or of a memorial of some hero past. There is normally some reference to God, the Bible or a Bible scene on the Banner. Some of the quotations noted were:
My faith looks up to Thee
Saved by faith alone
Stand fast in the faith

David in the verse that we have read tells us about setting up our banners. This could also mean a flag, but the thought is that it is to be conspicuous.

Why are we to set up our banners as Christians? I believe there are 3 reasons given in this Psalm.

Verse 5 says we are to REJOICE in thy salvation.

We are to put up and display our banner because we should be rejoicing in our salvation. Are you rejoicing in your salvation? Displaying a banner is not easy. When carrying the banner you will find many reasons not to carry it.
It’s too heavy
The road’s too long
There are too many hills
My feet are sore
The wind is too strong
My arms hurt
But if we have a rejoicing spirit the banner will become lighter, the road shorter, smoother and you will have the determination to walk the path and carry the banner against the storm.

Verse 7 tells us to REMEMBER the name of the Lord our God.

We are a people who are prone to forget. We only have to look at the Old Testament to note how God’s people forgot about Him. There are certain things that we are encouraged to remember: birthdays, anniversaries or events in history. I am sure you have heard that rhythm, “remember remember the 5th November”. We are to remember the Lord our God the one we trust. Remember His:
Birth
Life
Death
Resurrection
Ascension
Salvation
Let us raise the banner high displaying “The God of our salvation”. Let us remember Him and not forget.

Verse 8 says, “but we are RISEN, and stand upright”

The banner is to be set-up as it is a call to action. I am sure you have noticed that many who go into battle are led by one carrying a banner, flag or a standard. We are not to be lying about or sitting. We are to be up and doing for the Lord. This banner is a call to action. What are you doing for the Lord in your church, community or among your companions? God needs you to be active in His army. We are to be out there fighting the world, the flesh and the devil. The bible says in Isaiah 59:19, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

Young person this week let us REJOICE in and REMEMBER the Lord God in whom we trust and let us be RAISED in action for Him.

If you have not done so, unfurl your banner today.