Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord is My Banner
Exodus 17:15 (KJV)
15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah Nissi {the Lord is my banner}:
Graduations, honorary or ceremonial events, memorial events, rallies, and causes to support; what do they all have in common? They usually have some form of a big banner, or big signage for all to see. The intent for these banners and signs is so they can be seen by the intended audience, motivate the audience, and encourage others to support the event or cause. This is what Moses represented in Exodus 17.
Moses and the Israelites were in the wilderness and they were very thirsty. Moses prayed to God asking for relief and God came through for His people. Going through the wilderness, they encountered a group of people called the Amalekites and went to battle. Moses told Joshua to lead the army while he, Aaron, and Hur stayed on the top of the hill with his hand raised. Moses did this as a flag or a signal to the soldiers as they were fighting.
As long as Moses' hand and staff were up, the Israelites won the victory, but as soon as his hands went down, they didn’t win. Aaron and Hur noticed what God was doing through Moses and they decided to help Moses by sitting him on a rock and keeping his hands up. The Israelites were able to celebrate victory over the Amalekites.
Moses then commemorates the victory by making an altar and saying, “...Jehovah-Nissi” and in translation, “The Lord is my Banner.” But what does that mean?
In Hebrew, a banner means a standard, a sign, a signal, or a warning. Moses was symbolizing a flag or signal, and the Israelites knew it was God’s hand because they had seen him do it before (parting the Red Sea). The Israelites were reminded of God’s presence, and faithfulness even through the wilderness.
God’s name, “Jehovah-Nissi” reminds me of times when I needed assistance for finances, food, shelter, and spiritual battles, BUT GOD got me through it. In the midst, His presence was with me. God is my banner in my life. Without Him, I wouldn’t be here. Without His grace and mercy or His (God’s) identity for me, I would be lost. God is my banner because in the battles of my life, he has fought on my behalf and won! This brings me to this verse, Psalm 121:1-2, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills--from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord Who made heaven and earth.”
I would like to encourage you to take this opportunity to remind yourself of times when God has been a banner over your life situations physically and spiritually. Those times you have prayed to Him, leaned on your Word, and God has come through. Continue to invite God into your life wherever you are and I promise you, He’ll meet you right where you are, because he is Jehovah Nissi.
Prayer of A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) to Jehovah Nissi, The Lord is My Banner
Adoration ~
Dear Father, I give you all the praise, honor, and glory for all that you have done and will do. You are Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord Is My Banner. I worship you in spirit and in truth.
Confession ~ Lord, I acknowledge I have not always seen you as the banner over my life, my Jehovah-Nissi. When times have gotten tough, I didn’t look to you for help and strength, and for that, I ask for forgiveness. Please forgive me for questioning your presence when I’m going through physical and spiritual battles in my life.
Thanksgiving ~ God, I thank you for being Jehovah Nissi in my life. Thank you for allowing me to feel your presence, and giving me signs, signals, and warnings to continue to stay in your will. God thank you for letting me know it’s YOU that’s fighting my battles and hearing my prayers when I call out to you. I thank you for all you have done and will continue to do in my life! You are Jehovah Nissi and I thank you, Lord!
Supplication ~ May I always experience you as Jehovah Nissi in every aspect of my life. I pray for everyone who is reading this and myself that we will acknowledge your presence, your hand, your signals in our lives, and that we know that you are working on our behalf. We will proclaim, Jehovah Nissi, The Lord is Our Banner!
In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.
Meet Guest Blogger Elizabeth Burns
Ever since she was a little girl, Elizabeth wanted to be a teacher and grow in her faith by living boldly and confidently for Jesus. Today, Elizabeth Burns is the Founder of her women’s ministry, S.E.E.K. For Women, Inc., a Bible teacher, a mentor/coach for teachers and for women, and a facilitator. She loves sharing the gospel with others, in ways that may be unique but practical. Elizabeth loves spending time with family and friends, finding local parks and lakes to disconnect from the world and connect with God, she also loves to hike and traveling with friends and family, and she loves finding new DIY adventures that create a new an experience for her. You can connect with Elizabeth on her social media by following S.E.E.K. For Women, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram, and visit her website www.seekforwomen.com.
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About Patrice Championing women to live authentically and pursue God passionately, Patrice Burrell loves pointing others to the grace of God, rooted in the truth of scripture. Patrice is an author, life coach, and worship leader who loves practicing the presence of God in practical ways through a lifestyle anchored in spiritual disciplines. As a Bible teacher and preacher, she exhorts women to remember that their true identity is found in Christ, not culture. When not serving at her local church with the small groups and singles' ministries, Patrice enjoys visiting local Orlando attractions, going to the beach, and finding unique ways to explore her writing creativity. You can connect with Patrice on her blog, Warrior Woman Blog, on social media in her Facebook community, Warrior Women, and @patriceburrellministries on Facebook and Instagram.
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