As God’s nation walked through the wilderness, fresh out of slavery, they were attacked from behind by Amalek, a tribe of Esau. It was an evil, unprovoked assault, seeking to stop them from entering the Promised Land.
Moses sent out Joshua and the army to fight. Then Moses went and stood on the top of the hill, for all eyes to see, holding up the rod of God in both hands – the symbol of God fighting for them – victory assured by His power. Imagine how that would have looked if you were a warrior fighting below the hill – you would look up and see a man standing, with both arms raised up over his head, holding a staff lengthwise – a Cross.
Moses realized that if the warriors could the see the symbol of victory, they prevailed. But when Moses put down his arms to rest, Amalek prevailed. So two men helped Moses hold up his arms until the battle was won. Then Moses built an altar to thank the Lord and called its name, “Jehovah-Nissi” – “The Lord is my Banner.” There the Lord declared He would utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.
But this truth wasn’t just for God’s nation. It is also for us. There He gave us a picture of His power toward us over all the enemies of this life that would threaten to rob us of God’s promises… “when the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard (banner) against him” (Isaiah 59:19), and, “You have given a banner to those who reverence You, that it may be displayed because of the truth” (Psalm 60:4).
What is the truth of the Cross? Jesus has defeated sin, death, and the devil for us. He is risen and He is LORD. And whoever puts their trust in Him overcomes the world – not by our power – but by His, and shall never perish but have everlasting life.
Keep your eyes on the Cross.
Comments