The hospital I was in is on a hill. I was on the fifth floor looking out over a still darkened city. Dawn approached and little by little the shapes of church steeples, domed buildings and electronic towers crept out of the night. Suddenly a beam of morning sun caught a star spangled banner flying high in the midst of the soon to be busy city. It was magic. That cloth flag illuminated as if it were neon. There against the dark backdrop was this brilliant symbol of the ideals of a land for everyone to speak and think and worship as they may. That magical moment was the highlight of my day.
How could I not think of Song of Solomon 2:4 which wonderfully proclaims His banner over me is love. For thousands of years peoples, armies, churches, and nations have used banners to proclaim their identity. During the Civil War each side bravely carried their flag into battle. During one of the battles in Virginia the Union flag was held high by five different men. As each man fell another brave soul raced to retrieve the banner to hold high.
Is it possible to think of any banner for God’s government than love? His banner over us is love. Love displays itself by its behavior. John 3:16-17 says it all in regards to God’s behavior. He withheld nothing in order to redeem us. Jesus was the most valuable gift ever conceived. He was the Creator. The idea that such a being who is responsible for unnumbered galaxies should voluntarily experience the Cross has to be true for who could invent an idea so outrageous. His flag over us is love.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 8, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org