As we continue our study of the names and titles of Jesus, we are currently in the Old Testament. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus as “The Desire of All Nations.” This month we will consider the messianic title: “The Banner.” A banner is a pole used as a standard or ensign set on the tops of mountains as a call for the people to assemble themselves for some great national purpose. We might relate the use of a banner or ensign in the same manner as we perceive a flag.
In the prophecy of Isaiah, it is communicated that in the coming Millennium the “shoot of Jesse” who is also called the “root of Jesse” will stand as a banner for all His people. In the Millennium, wild animals will be kind to domesticated animals, and what once was dangerous will be safe for children. This will be a time when:
And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, And the leopard will lie down with the young goat, And the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze, Their young will lie down together, And the lion will eat straw like the ox. The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:6–9 (NASB95)
By “knowledge of the Lord,” Isaiah infers that people will not just know about the Lord, but they will live in accordance with God’s principles and His Word. Judah and Israel will be regathered into the land of promise, and they will abide by the New Covenant. Finally, the prophet communicates in this passage that all the peoples will be blessed and gather around “The Banner,” which is Jesus Christ. Jesus will be a rallying point for the nations. The prophet states, "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious." Isaiah 11:10 (NKJV)
As citizens of America, we culturally stop our events at ballgames, the beginning of school days, or even at vacation Bible school to say the pledge of allegiance to the “banner” or flag that represents our nation, the United States of America. We do this because we are patriots, citizens who care about our country, and loyalists who submit to the governing authorities under which God has placed us. We celebrate the men in war who carried the “banner” courageously into battle with little concern for their own safety. We revere those who hoisted the “banner” at the end of the battle to remind the enemy who was the victor. We place the “banner” in the ground of new and untamed territories, like the moon, to show that we have gone where no man has gone before. The “banner” is a point of rally for us as Americans. Consider our national anthem, “O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” How much more should Jesus, “The Banner,” be our point of rally now as He will be in the coming kingdom. Jesus said as much in Luke when he stated, “And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” Luke 13:29 (ESV)
The Banner of Jesus is flying high
when nailed upon the cross was He to die.
With arms opened wide as a flag unfurled
as men passed by and their insults hurled.
Upon Calvary's hilltop the banner flies
as Jesus lays down His life for us and dies.
There the veil of the temple was torn in two
and heaven’s door opened we go through.
He said 'When I am hung upon the tree'
then I will draw Jews and Gentiles to me, '
To all who believe the cross leads to heaven
and all who come in repentance are forgiven.
Outstretched upon Calvary's cross I see
the full extent of Jesus' love for me.
The 'agape' love of God was outpoured
for this poor, vile sinner by Christ adored.
From the Root of Jesse the banner flies
'Come, enter the gates of heaven it cries.'
The Sovereign Lord beckons us to come
and calls us to our great heavenly home.
There praise shall be my glorious battle cry
and His great love my soul shall occupy.
Called into His Banqueting house above
where His great banner over me is love.
By: Roy Allen
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”