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Volume. XXXVI, No. 38 Jehovah Nissi – The Lord is My Banner We have considered the name of God Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Rapha in the last two weeks. The following compound name of God in scripture introduced for us is Jehovah Nissi. In Exodus 17, Moses called God Jehovah Nissi (v15). The Hebrew word nissi means "something lifted up, a flag or signal high up." Banners are visible and are raised up high to celebrate and honor a joyous event or victory. For example, an army would fly their pride flag or banner on a pole very high in battle. The whole defense force rallies behind this banner, usually with their battalion logo and motto describing what they stand for. Christians have one banner too, the only banner we lift high, Jehovah Nissi'. The Lord is our Banner. Jesus is what gives us victory and to Him belong all glory. When we lift up the Banner of the Lord, we declare the Lord as our authority and His lordship; It is the Lord who helps us to overcome every decision. He only gives us the victory. God is every Christian's Banner.
The name Jehovah Nissi is used one time in the Bible in Exodus 17:15. In Exodus 17:8-16, as Israel journeyed through the wilderness, the Amalekites, a wandering tribe, confronted Israel in battle. “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim” (Exodus 17:8). Moses's response was to choose Joshua, leader of the Israelites army, to fight the Amalekites. Note this is the first reference of Joshua in the Bible. Moses sent Joshua to choose men to fight in the valley while he sought God's help on a high hill together with the assistance of Aaron and Hur. Moses was not idle. He also has to go the mountain and hold the rod of God high. This was Moses' way of showing his trust and dependence upon God even during the fierce battle in the valley.
Moses called out on God and lifted up both his hands and the rod, declaring God's power and authority. As long as Moses' hands were lifted up, Israel was winning. As Moses' arms grew weary, he lowered them, and the Amalekites would be winning. When Aaron and Hur saw Moses physically struggling to hold up the rod, they held up Moses' arms as he sat on a rock. Together they kept the rod in the air until the end of the day. Joshua and his army won the battle. This was no ordinary battle, and the victory was unique. Moses built an altar to worship God and called it Jehovah Nissi. It means "the Lord is my banner” (Exodus 17:15). He was creating a place of remembrance, a celebration of victory, an expression of thanks. May our lives be full of similar acknowledgment that God is our Banner- Jehovah Nissi.
Moses lifting up His hand with the rod of God is a beautiful picture of prayer. Let me share three lessons on prayer and Moses naming God Jehovah Nissi.
The first principle for us to remember is not to underestimate the power hidden beneath the simplicity of prayer. Although action and effort are needed to solve all problems, it is even more important to remember the importance of prayer. Moses told Joshua to fight, but he also supported Joshua in prayers. Do you pray regularly? Exodus 17:10-11 reads, “So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed”. The reason for Israel prevailing the Amalekites is not Joshua's efforts but simply because Moses has lifted up his hand. This is a portrayal of prayer. The raising of hand is a very simple act, but the result of it was very great: The victory of Israelites simply lies on the factor of whether Moses will raise his hand or not. As one author, S D Gordon puts it “the great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer, nor those who say they believe in prayer, nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean these people who take time and pray. We should never underestimate the power hidden beneath the simple act of prayer to God.
The second principle we learn from Moses is to be persistent in prayer. When Moses' hands were held up, Israel prevailed.. When Moses' hands were allowed to fall down, Amalek prevailed. After a while, Moses hands became too weary, and Aaron and Hur stepped up and held Moses' hands up until the battle was finished. Jesus said to his disciples, “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” (Luke 18:1). Are you feeling faint physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Pray persistently and you will not faint. Thessalonians says, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess: 5:17). Christians need to have a persistent attitude when it comes to prayer. The prayer items that we pray in the prayer meeting are not to be prayed only in the church, but the members in their daily prayers should pray it. Christians must have a persistent attitude regarding prayer. It may be exhaustive and not pleasant, but we have to press on like Moses on the mountain.
The third principle from this example is the importance of prayer partners and sharing our burden with others for prayer. In this story, Moses cannot hold his hands up, and if they fall, the Amalekites will certainly win the battle. However, Aaron and Hur step forth and hold the hands of Moses up until the battle is won. Aaron and Hur's task that day doesn't sound like a lot to us. Moses would not have had the strength to do his job, and Joshua would never have led Israel to victory in the battle. Aaron and Hur are the heroes of this conflict. Had they not been there, the battle would have been lost, and Israel would have been defeated! The job they performed was absolutely necessary. Do we have friends to pray with? Do we come alongside others in prayer? If not, why not start now? We need to share our prayer items with others. Where two or three gather there I am with them is the promise of God. Not everyone can preach great messages. Not everyone can sing solos or play these instruments. But all can pray and support one another in prayer. We are called to live as a community of faith.
The Banner is God. Jehovah Nissi is His name. For Christians, the banner is when we stand under is the Lord God Almighty and His only begotten Son Jesus Christ who died on the Cross. Like when Christ was lifted on the Cross, He became our banner forever. Today we stand victorious even when we feel flattened due to various struggles, for we know if God is for us, who can be against us?. And in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us. Jesus told his disciples in John 16:33, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. God has promised to be our Banner- Jehovah Nissi.
Rev Mathews Abraham |
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