Christian Banners

"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." (Psalm 20: 5 KJV)

There have been lots of famous placing of "flags" (banners) in the history of the world. The placing of the flag on Mt. Suribachi, during WWII, is a famous scene for the Marine Corps and the United States. The placing of the American flag at the Poles, and on the moon itself, are also famous flag settings.

Generally, in the scriptural references to the raising or placing of flags (banners, standards, or ensigns), allusion is to military flags. Other times there is reference to the particular "standards" or "coat of arms" of a particular family, clan or tribe, and of the nation itself.

Flags are meant to convey messages, literally or symbolically; literally when things are written on a flag, such as one famous war flag of the United States, which said - "don't tread on me" and had a picture of a coiled snake over the writing; symbolically when colors and symbols are added to them.

When banners are "set" or "placed," they are nearly always done "in the name of" a country, or king, or some other entity. So, in the above words of the Psalmist, he speaks of setting banners "in the name of the Lord."

Flags are placed for various reasons. First, it is to "stake claim" to the area where the flag is placed, a way of asserting or taking possession. Second, it is to send a message to the army or to those identified with the particular flag. It was one way for a General to send messages to his ranks by waiving different flags (or sounding certain sounds on trumpets). Third, it was a way of marking a rallying or gathering point. To "gather around the flag" is still practiced widely, both formally (ceremonially) and more literally in actual combat.

"Thine enemies roar in the midst of thy congregations; they set up their ensigns for signs." (Psalm 74: 4 KJV)

To "set up their signs" is the placing and rearing of them, generally on some high place, some hill or mountain, so that all may see, both friend and enemy, and these being "for signs" means that they become "trophies of victory." In the above Psalm, the Psalmist mourns the fact that the enemy has planted their flags (ensigns) in the midst of the congregations of the Lord. Yet, the opening Psalm was a celebration of victory on behalf of the Lord, of the congregations of the Lord planting their banners in the midst of their enemies.

"Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch." (Numbers 2: 2 KJV)

Those who become "children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3: 27) have God for the "Father." They are members of the "family of God." Their Father and their family have a banner, yea, several banners or standards.

"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious...And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. " (Isaiah 11: 10, 12 KJV)

This verse identifies the Messiah, or Jesus Christ, as the "ensign" (flag, banner, beacon, or standard) of the family of God, of the "house (or dynasty) of God." Jesus is the "coat of arms" of the Christian. We wave the "flag" of king Jesus and of his kingdom when we proclaim him and his word to the world. When a nation or an individual is converted to Christ and believes on him, the banner of king Jesus is firmly planted in the heart by the mighty Spirit of God who takes possession of it and claims it in the name of the Lord.

Just as men gather "to" and "around" a "flag," so do sinners gather around Christ to hear his gracious words. Christians gather round Christ, this glorious banner, daily as they meditate upon him.

"One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill." (Isaiah 30: 17 KJV)

A flag is often uses, as said, to be a place for men to look and to gather, and thus operates as a beacon or lighthouse. Jesus is the beacon of God, the one who is "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14: 6) Every Christian too is a lessor beacon in that he points sinners to Christ as Christ points to himself. Again notice how reference is made to the usual place of setting banners. They are placed up high, on a pole, or on a lofty precipice, on hill or mountain. Christians are told to "proclaim from the housetops" the blessed gospel. Each Christian is, as a soldier in the army of the Lord, a "standard-bearer." (Isaiah 10: 18 KJV)

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

This verse speaks of the Christian banner, or the flag of disciples of Jesus. It is a "standard" given to every believer to "display." When Christians witness to others about Jesus, they are setting up the banner of Jesus, conquering hearts through him, and claiming sinners in his name. The banner is Jesus, the "Truth," and the only "Way" to the Father and to eternal life.

"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2: 4 KJV)

This being "brought to the banqueting house" is a reference, symbolically, of the experience of the sinner when he first comes to see the beauty of Christ and "falls in love" with him. In his heart and soul he is brought to a "feast of fat things," going from a state of "leanness of soul," to "fatness" of spirit. They who have come to Christ in faith and repentance are brought into the "secret chambers" of the Lord, and made to experience in heart the presence of the Lord, and gracious revelations of his person. Love is the watch word on the flag of the Christian, and Christ is the visual personification of the Love of God.

"Thou art beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners...Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" (Song of Solomon 6: 4, 10 KJV)

This again is a representation of the bride of Christ. The adversaries of Christ and his bride see the Christian raising his banners in the name of Christ and they fear and tremble. The church is a militant body, at war with all ungodliness, with sin, and Satan, and with the evil world.

Friend, what flag is staked in your heart and mind? What flag are you waving?