Isaiah 11

“On that day the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples.  The nations will seek Him, and His resting place will be glorious.  On that day the Lord will extend His hand a second time to recover – from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and the coasts and Islands of the west – the remnant of His people who survive.” Isaiah 11:10-11 (HCSB)

Early in the days of Israel’s wilderness wanderings, the Israelites found themselves on the verge of war with the Amalekites.  Joshua was asked to assemble an army while Moses climbed a nearby hill.  With God’s staff in his hands, he lifted up his arms with Aaron and Hur helping him.  So long as his arms were held upward, the Amalekites were defeated.  Afterward, Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord is my banner.”  It marked a place where Moses and the people of God had witnessed God fighting on their behalf.

When God’s banner is planted in the ground, God’s people have no cause to worry.  He fights for His people.  As King Jehoshaphat was told, later in Israel’s history...

“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” 2 Chronicles 20:15b (NIV)

The writer of Chronicles tells us that Ahaz ignored Isaiah and asked the king of Assyria for help.  Then, things got worse.

“In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 28:22 (NIV)

What Ahaz refused to see was that Israel’s battle was primarily a spiritual one.  The truth is that ALL battles are primarily spiritual, even though our battles involve human interaction.  So, because Ahaz refused to fear the Lord, victory was not secured through his strategic military alliances.  He should have trusted the Lord because victory is only found in Him.  That oversight cost Ahaz (and Judah) dearly.  

Perhaps, you are facing an overwhelming adversary.  The only way you will find enduring victory is by humbling yourself and surrendering to the Lord’s will, revealed in His Word.  Remember that the battle is the Lord’s.   He plants His banner as a symbol of His conquests.  He is interested in winning YOU before He wins the world through you.  Do not resist the Lord!  Let Him plant His banner of love and Lordship deep into your heart, soul, and strength.

When the people of God find themselves in any trouble, the Bible reminds them of His past victories and promises of future victories.  His Word acts as a banner fluttering in the breeze.  The very sight of it reminds us that our strength comes from His mighty power and strengthens our faithful resolve.

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17 (NKJV)