A Flag to Follow

Everyone follows something.

Think about it a minute and you might be able to pick out what it is that you follow. A celebrity, an author, a tok-tok influencer. Maybe it’s a video game, movie, christian singer, or the youth pastor at your church.

But ingrained in our humanity is that need to stand behind something. That need to identify with something. That need to look up to something.

Something worthwhile.

Except that most of us aren’t very good at making sure that what we are following really is worthwhile.

What flag do you follow?

Psalms 60:4 – Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

If you fear the Lord, there is a banner for you to follow. One erected by God rather than men. An emblem of truth.

When I was researching banners in the Bible (also called standards or ensigns), I came across Isaiah chapter 11, a prophetic chapter focused on Jesus our Messiah. It begins,

Isaiah 11:1

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

The verses that really caught my attention were these:

Isaiah 11:9-10

They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. And 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.

This verse declares Jesus to be an ensign (flag) for all people.

John 3:14

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Just as a flag is raised on a flagstaff, so the Lord Jesus was raised up on a wooden cross.

John 12:32

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

With what wonder I reflect on the beauty of Jesus being our banner. He is the ultimate Flag to follow. All other flags in our lives pale in comparison!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in his wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his glory and grace. (Helen H. Lemmel)

| Leah C. |