patriotism especially at crucial times of domestic or international conflict. Even
today, flag-burning and other banner desecrations infuriate the masses. No
matter from whence you come, jealousy prevails your being when you see your
flag charred. Legal or not, anyone has the ability to strike a match and expose the
flicker to the flammable sewn material. But there is a banner raised to
unconquerable heights, under which an army assembles, marching confidently
and wielding a sword able to divide soul and spirit (He. 4:12). That banner is
Christ. Isaiah prophesied, “In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall
stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall
be glorious” (Is. 11:10).
The kingdom of Christ is unbiased to gender, race, age and social status. “There
is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor
female…” (Ga. 3:28; cf. Col. 3:11). What a tremendous rallying-place – the cross
of Christ! Gentile nations had oppressed Israel and Judah, ravaging their
homelands and snatching them up, but at the cross God imparted both Jew and
Gentile hope. The army of Christ is a motley crew of sorts consisting of former
zealots and publicans. Some have murdered – some committed adultery – some
stole – some practiced homosexuality (cf. 1 Co. 6:9-11). But no longer.
The good and bad, clean and dirty-slated are united through the gospel to seek
spiritual prosperity and to live “soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present
world” (Tit. 2:12). Regardless of their respective pasts, citizens of Christ’s
kingdom look to the One lifted up as the Serpent in the wilderness and bow to
His Glory (cf. Jn. 3:14).
No matter how hard one tries to close her eyes, she cannot keep from seeing the
glory of Christ, our magnificent Banner, “Who being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his
power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of
the Majesty on high” (He. 1:3). Other flags can be soiled, but not Him. His appeal
is not softened when man mocks Him (Ga. 6:7). His call still draws men unto
Him (cf. 2 Th. 2:14; Jn. 12:32). His word is everlasting (Ps. 119:144). He does not
change (He. 13:8). The Jews and Romans thought the cross would end the
presumed revolt against authorities; yet it only complicated matters because
immediately they knew what they had done. The veil of the temple was rent, the
earth quaked, graves opened, saints’ bodies arose and went into the city and the
ones who crucified – “they feared greatly” (Mt. 27:50-54).
Hearing atheists blaspheme the name of Christ hurts. Seeing unbelievers burn
the Bibles offends us. Knowing some who’ve left the faith disappoints. But I
know no one can defile my Banner. Satan with all his angels and earthly
ministers today cannot do me or my Savior harm. “Thanks be to God, which
giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Co. 15:57). All of God’s
enemies will ultimately lose the battle (cf. Ge. 3:15; 1 Co. 15:26; Mt. 25:41). So
gather under the indestructible Jesus today. When you do, “He will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee” (He. 13:5).
