“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” – Isaiah 59:19
Scripture reading: Isaiah 59:9-21 & Psalm 20:1-9
How is Jesus a banner to His people? Here are two more reasons:
- Just as a banner guides soldiers through the fiercest battles, so Jesus by His Spirit can guide us through the fiercest battles of the Christian life – In Isaiah 59 we are told that there will be a time when truth will fall in the street and the enemy will come in with a flood. It will be a time when Satan seems to have more and more power. Paul picks up this theme in 2 Thessalonians 2 and applies it to the anti-Christ. It will be a time in which each soldier of the cross will feel overwhelmed by the flood of wickedness in this world, all on top of the battle we already have with our personal sins. What will keep a believer bravely fighting in such a time? The Spirit of God Who comes and strengthens us! Jesus’ Spirit reminds us of His victory.
- For, Jesus as our Banner gloriously promises victory to us – Jesus promises peace and rest for weak, wounded and battle-weary soldiers! Believers already rejoice by faith in the victory that will be ours. Isaiah 11:10 promises: and his rest shall be glorious. Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and hell cannot but make us rest and rejoice. Psalm 20:5 puts it like this: We will rejoice in Your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! One day, victorious soldiers will perfectly rejoice in Jesus’ salvation!
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for His promises of both spiritual empowerment and final victory through the cross of Jesus Christ. Ask for God’s Spirit to help you fight in times when you feel overwhelmed and when the battle is fierce.
Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.
