Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 2017 February 1

Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 
(Psalms 60:4)

Today’s Morsel:  “Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee"; the word rendered “banner" means properly anything elevated or lifted up, and hence, a standard, a flag, a sign, or a signal.  It may refer to a standard reared on lofty mountains or high places during an invasion of a country to point out to the people a place of rendezvous or a rallying place.  “And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly” (Isaiah 5:26).  Here it doubtless refers to the flag, the banner, the standard of an army; and the idea is that God had committed such a standard to His people that we might go forth as soldiers in His cause.  We have been enlisted in His service, and we are fighting His battles.  David said that it may be displayed because of the truth.  In the cause of truth; or in the defense of justice and right.  It was not to be displayed for vain parade or ostentation; it was not to be unfolded in an unrighteous or unjust cause; it was not to be waved for the mere purpose of carrying out desolation, or of securing victory; it was that a righteous cause might be vindicated, and that the honor of God might be promoted. This was the reason for this banner, and we were appointed to maintain and defend it.  What was true then of the people of God, is true of the church now.  God has given to His church a banner or a standard that it may wage a war of justice, righteousness, and truth; that it may be employed in resisting and overcoming His enemies; that it may carry the weapons of truth and right against all injustice, falsehood, error, oppression, and wrong; that it may ever be found on the side of humanity and benevolence - of virtue, temperance, liberty, and equality; and that it may bear the great principles of the true religion to every territory of the enemy, until the whole world shall be subdued to God.” (Barns Commentary).  Jehovah Nissi! The Lord my Banner.

Sing:  I may never march in the infantry, ride in the Calvary, shoot the artillery; I may never soar over the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army, yes Sir!

Thought For Today:  His banner over me is love.  (Song of Solomon 2:4)

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