Our Banner
4 But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. 5 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 60-4-5
The Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy, was this past Friday night. Did you watch it? I love the excitement and grandeur of the opening ceremony. The host country told its story. The Olympic flag was raised. The Olympic cauldron was lit with the torch that had traveled from Greece. Speeches were made. But the most impressive part for me was the parade of athletes. There were over 2,000 of them representing 93 countries, and they marched into the stadium behind their flags, country by country. They waved these banners to represent identity, belonging, sacrifice, and pride. For the athletes, the flag says, “This is who I represent. This is bigger than me.”
After the opening ceremony, the Winter Games officially began. At the conclusion of each Olympic event, the top three finishers are honored as their flags are raised. These flags identify the nations the athletes represent and serve as visible symbols of their hard-earned victories.
In Exodus 17:15, Moses gives God the name “God Our Banner,” which in Hebrew is “Jehovah Nissi.” Only a couple of months after leaving their slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were faced with a battle. The Amalekites came and fought against the Israelites. Joshua led the charge and fought against the Amalekites. Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill to oversee the battle. As long as Moses raised his hands, Israel prevailed, but as soon as he let his hands down, Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur assisted Moses and helped to prop up his hands. God brought the victory. Joshua defeated Amalek and his army. Moses built an altar and called God “The Lord is my banner.”
As our banner, God declares that we belong to Him, the Most High God, firmly establishing our identity as His children. We do not stand alone beneath that banner. The God who marks us as His own also goes before us as a warrior. He fights on our behalf, engaging the battles we cannot win on our own. Whatever struggles we face, we can rest with confidence, knowing that God will show up, stand firm, and contend for His people. And in His perfect timing and power, God is the One who brings the victory.
A banner in ancient times wasn’t just a symbol—it was a rallying point. Soldiers looked to it for direction, unity, and courage in the chaos of battle. We face a spiritual battle every day. Satan and his forces of evil are out to destroy everything God has done in our lives. But, with God as our banner, we must fight, look to Him for strength and guidance, and resist. He covers and protects us.
Other battles take various forms. Maybe it is fear, anxiety, or worry. Perhaps it is a broken relationship, grief, or loss. Maybe it is a financial strain or a health scare. God brings victory through His presence and our perseverance. God fights on our behalf. But God brings ultimate victory through Jesus. Every temporary battle is framed by this eternal truth: sin and death have already been defeated. 1 Corinthians 15:57 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Under the banner of Jehovah Nissi, victory doesn’t mean life is easy—it means we are never alone, never unprotected, and never without hope. May we raise a banner in the Lord's name, signifying trust in God's power and victory over our enemies and in life.
Call to Action
What battles are you facing? How can looking to the Lord for strength and leadership change your situation?
How does trusting Jehovah Nissi change the way you face pressure and give you hope in the midst of uncertainty?
What “other banners” do you tend to rally around for identity or security? What steps can you take to let go of these and seek the one and only true Banner?
Digging Deeper
Read these other verses: Deuteronomy 20:4, Psalm 20:5, John 16:33b, Romans 8:37, Ephesians 6:10, 1 John 5:4. Check out these other victory stories in the Bible: Joseph-Genesis 50:20; Job-Job 42:12; David and Goliath-1 Samuel 17:45–47; The Israelites and the Red Sea-Exodus 14; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-Daniel 3:16–28.
Prayer
God, thank you for being our source of identity, protection, and victory. Thanks for fighting our battles for us. When we feel weak, overwhelmed, or unsure, help us to lift our eyes to You. We choose to stand under Your banner, confident in Your presence, secure in Your love, and anchored in the hope You provide.
Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens