Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the LORD is my banner”. He said, “They have raised their fist against the LORD’s throne…”
In a Nascar (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) race it takes a pit crew of 7 or 8 members to get a car and driver back on course in under an average of 20 secs. The fastest pit car crew, Red Bull Racing, holds the current world record at 1.82 seconds. Indy Japan 300 racer, Danica Sue Patrick, became the 1st and only woman to win an Indy Car race because of such team members in 2008. 2017 History maker Brehanna Daniels, became the 1st black woman to work national NASCAR races in a pit crew. Daniels was 1 out of 10 people selected for NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity training program.
The spotlight always seems to fall on the frontline person. Yet one would be amiss not to shine a light on the help who has their back, standing by and on the sides. They help make a dream achieved, their best is essential to one’s success. Friends influence us into who we are and become. According to an article from Greater Good Magazine, “strong friendships are as important for yourself as diet and exercise, and so it’s something you need to prioritize”. The Bible has much perspicacity on friendships too, “Bad company corrupts good character” 1 Cor 15:33 , “Two are better than one” Ecc 4:9, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity” Prov 17.17.
In Exodus 17 an example of promoting friendships and team work helped Moses lead the Israelites to victory in a battle with their enemy. Through the upholding support of his spiritual crew members Aaron and Hur, Moses and his people were not only able to survive a difficult time, but to live and ultimately reach God’s promised land flowing with milk and honey.
When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites, Moses stood on top of the hill with the staff of God in his hands. Then he, Aaron and Hur went up a hill where Moses kept his hands lifted so the Israelites could keep winning. However, despite his best efforts, Moses naturally grew tired and his hands went down-along with the Israelites hope to win the battle. When they began losing. his partners Aaron and Hur (-without being asked but by sensing and seeing) moved to action. They both put a stone under him to sit and upraise his hands until sunset. This act of reinforcement led the Israelites with Joshua commanding to triumph and annihilation for total eradication of the Amalekites.
In the end, Moses built an altar to commemorate the day calling it The Lord is my Banner. A banner is a flag or symbol established and lifted in celebration, to recognize triumph, and as a remembrance of success in a thankful, honoring way. While Moses lifted up God’s banner, so did Aaron & Hur lift up Moses. One lifts up another, who lifts up another and so on and so forth. We are all on someone’s team. Whose side are you fighting on?
Concern (C): Sister, are you fighting on the Lord’s side? Jesus says in the Bible Matt 12:30. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters”. Think about this deeply. Are you a disciple of Christ, a true follower, a member of Jesus’ crew? It is obvious by your fruits it continues to say in vs. 33 “…for a tree is recognized by its fruit”.
Encouragement (E): Wave your banner! When God is your banner, you will be full of what He speaks, you will love as He loves, forgive as He forgives, you will gather as He gathers, you will help as He helps. You will do as Christ did! Jesus in Matt 12:50 says, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”
Act (A): Next set your banner! Draw a picture, visualize and/or display it. Share with your friend what it looks like. What symbols or emblems does it carry that indicate what God has done for you? Parade how you are a willing recruit to be a producing, eternally fighting for His mission, soldier in His army. May your friends help you maintain your banner like Aaron and Hur. For God’s love will always be the banner over you SS 2:4, Ps 20:5, 60:4.
Dedicated in memory of my bannered veteran uncles Bobby and Perry.
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_your_friends_are_more_important_than_you_think
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