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Lift up the standard: Numbers 1-4


For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16, New King James Version)


“Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. (Numbers 2:2, New King James Version)



When the children of Israel were numbered for war, they were instructed to arrange themselves according to the Lord's instruction. The arrangement was set, and the order was given for them to have a standard lifted so they could be easily distinguished from the other tribes. The standard was an emblem of their identity.

Imagine seeing a great multitude of 603, 550 warriors, in addition to thousands of men 19 and younger, women , and children. This is thick mass of people traveling together in the desert. Amidst them there are banners on poles, bobbing and weaving with the wave of this Hebrew sea . They are unafraid of their identity. As matter of fact it is their identity that empowers them. Their identity and all that it carries with it makes the surrounding nations shudder with fright, envious of their might, and mesmerized by their presence.

There is a passage that says "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord will lift up a standard against him" ( Isaiah 59:19). There is power alone in the identifying agent of the most high- God's name. When we lift up our identifying agent, our family name as God's children, the enemy must flee.

Do not be ashamed of your identity child of God, for in it lies so much power. The enemy is banking on us not tapping into it. Let's send him running.We declare the mighty name of the Lord- Jesus, without reservation!

Comments

Anonymous said…
HALLELU-JAAAHH!! The imagery gives me chills! Imagine this scene today, coming against abortion, coming against government, coming against racism, feminism...throngs of "us" holding our banners high, with the praying and praisers leading...WHEW! My God, my God! Not just that, but during this time, God was still in the form of a cloud leading them! All these people with the cloud above and the Levites carrying pieces of the tabernacle? What a sight to behold! Thank you Sis for reminding us of who's we are, especially at a time like this! When we stay meditating on Him, devoting time to prayer, and keeping each other lifted up, we're no different than if we were actually together, facing our obstacles together. Endure you guys! This is a race that's already won!

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