Exodus: When God Is Your Banner

1/21/2018

What is it that you look to for hope? Really think about this. Every day we are encouraged by media sources, government, and countless advertisements, to place our hope in people, systems, and products that will make life easier for us. Or possibly they promise us relief from things like stress, anxiety, conflict, or toil. So look back over your week and think about the people, systems, and products, that make life better for you.
What would it be like if even one of these were taken away? It drives me crazy when a company discontinues a product I enjoy!
In Exodus, the people of Israel had been reminded in several different ways that they were to depend on God for provision. Now, in Exodus 17:8-16, we see that they must depend on Him again, for protection. He is their banner in the fight.
Just take a moment, and think about what it is you are struggling with. What is the fight you find yourself in? If you feel comfortable with your group, talk through some of these. Ian MacLaren noted wisely, “Let us be kind to one another, for most of us are fighting a hard battle.”

Pastor Jeremy highlighted 4 ways we deal with this fight.

First, recognize that the battle is the Lord’s. God’s plans are never thwarted, he is the one who ultimately has the victory! Read these for something to chew on:
- 1 Sam. 17:46-48, Deuteronomy 31:6, Romans 8:28, 38-39.
Second, there is a connection between our obedience and God’s power. The success the Israelites experienced in their battle was tied to Moses posture of prayer and obedience. How are you fighting your battle? Who is praying with you? Are there things in your life which you need to bring into a place of obedience?
Third, TRUST IN CHRIST! Pastor Jeremy said that Jesus is better than Moses because he doesn’t simply hold the banner, he IS the banner. How do you see Christ as the banner.
Fourth, build an altar of thanksgiving. When you experience victory in the fight, we should respond with a level of thanksgiving that puts this victory on display. In Exodus 17:14-16 God tells Moses to set up some things to help the people remember how God delivered them. Read the command in Psalm 145:4-7; God tells one generation to commend the works of the Lord to the next.
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in Life Together, “God has willed that we should seek and find God’s living Word in the testimony of other Christians, in the mouths of human beings. Therefore, Christians need other Christians who speak God’s Word to them. They need them again and again when they become uncertain and disheartened because, living by their own resources, they cannot help themselves without cheating themselves out of the truth. They need other Christians as bearers and proclaimers of the divine word of salvation. They need them solely for the sake of Jesus Christ. The Christ in their own hearts is weaker than the Christ in the word of other Christians. Their own hearts are uncertain; those of their brothers and sisters are sure.”

Spend some time giving testimony to God’s greatness and how he has worked to deliver you in the past. Remember how Christ has carried you, provided and protected you, and encourage those who are in the midst of the battle… Christ is our banner!