Exodus 17 tells of the Israelites’ first battle against an enemy after they have left Egypt. They were inexperienced fighters and in the wilderness, but God was on their side. As long as Moses was able to hold his hands up, Israel was prevailing against the Amaleks. He became tired. He subsequently sat on a stone and needed support from Aaron and Hur to keep his arms up. This battle commenced for a long time, but Israel prevailed because God granted them victory.
“So Joshua overwhelmed and defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this in the book as a memorial and recite it to Joshua, that I will utterly wipe out the memory of Amalek [and his people] from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and named it The LORD Is My Banner; saying, “The LORD has sworn [an oath]; the LORD will have war against [the people of] Amalek from generation to generation.”
Exodus 17:13-16 AMP
God wanted Joshua to remember the first victory He gave him. Joshua would still fight many battles in the future and would lead the Israelites into Canaan and conquer the land promised them. Joshua had to be bold and courageous to do all God had planned for him. He could only do so knowing that God was by His side fighting His battles. That first battle at Rephidim was the start of His belief in God’s faithfulness and the victory He granted.
Moses, under God’s instruction, wrote it all down. It was so that Israel, especially Joshua, will remember. This was in preparation for Joshua to become a leader that would lead his people well because he trusted God well.
Moses built an altar and thereafter dedicated the place to the Lord as a remembrance of the promise made. He named it Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is my banner. God received the glory, not Joshua and their army. God gave them victory.
Banners have been used throughout history by nations, especially armies, to indicate nationality or identity. The banner was carried over, or in front of, a battalion. God is similarly a banner over us. His love is over us, and we are His children. We belong to His kingdom.
In the modern world, we use banners as part of processions or celebrations. It serves as a way to celebrate an event, date, or a person. The Israelites celebrated God and His victory that day. Which victories can you celebrate?
The Lord is our banner of victory. We are His, and He gives us victory over the enemy, just as He did that day for Joshua and Israel. God gave us the victory through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the promise fulfilled of God’s faithfulness and masterplan to defeat the enemy, all his schemes, agendas, and assaults forever. Just as a banner indicates celebration and remembrance, remember the victory of Christ. Because He was victorious, we are victorious.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].”
Romans 8:37 AMP
Remember and celebrate the fullness of Christ’s victory. He did not only win the battle, but He won the entire war against death. We have eternal life! More so, we can already live victoriously on Earth because of Christ living inside of us. We can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens us. The Holy Spirit gives us comfort, guidance, power, and grace through everything we might face. We are not living, longing for victory, but we are living from a position of victory. We have already won, with Christ! Therefore, keep on putting your faith and trust in Him.
“For everyone born of God is victorious and overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has conquered and overcome the world—our [continuing, persistent] faith [in Jesus the Son of God].”
1 John 5:4 AMP
Are you currently in a battle? The whole world is facing a battle against COVID. COVID is not from God but the enemy. Remember that God’s children will prevail because Christ has already prevailed against sickness and death. There will be victory.
We have hope and faith in Jesus Christ Who is by our side, fighting the battle for us and making a way. We will come through on the other side, more aware of God’s faithfulness and His strength within us.
It might look like the enemy has won and you might feel discouraged in your situation. Do not forget Who is for you, with you, and fighting the fight with you. Remember how God has been faithful in your past. Remember that victory over depression, despair, failure, disappointment, fear, and sickness. It was one of your many victories still to come. Remember how God restored, renewed, gave a new opportunity, provided healing, provision, hope, and peace. Jehovah Nissi was there in your past. He is with you now and will be in your future. Even though the battle was long, Joshua and the army conquered because God was with them.
“Through God we will have victory, For He will trample down our enemies.”
Psalms 60:12 AMP
The devil can never win. So he will try and discourage you and get you to focus on other things than God. He wants you to look at your circumstances, the news report, messages on social media, compare your life with other people, and focus on your feelings. Focus on God. God is your Jehovah Nissi, a God Who always keeps His promises. We can look to Him and remember His faithfulness in all seasons of our lives. There will be battles, but you will see the victory with God. We can trust Him for our victory. Let’s proclaim His name and praise Him during the battle. While you may be fighting a battle, victory is on its way because God will grant you victory. Let God receive the glory and praise always.
“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 AMP
Be thankful for all God has brought you through. Be thankful that He will bring you through this season victoriously. You will come out stronger on the other side. Do not quit. Do not give up. Keep trusting and believing in God. We will conquer and prevail and celebrate that God is good and faithful to the end. Hold on to your victory, to Christ. Allow others to support and encourage you as Moses did. Victory is ours because God is fighting for us.
Stay resolute my friend.
Talita
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