 Key Verse
4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah Meditation “The darkest parts of your story will give birth to the strongest parts of your soul” when your hope is in Jesus and the banner of His gospel promises. Three stanzas offer three perspectives in today’s reading: the nation’s (1-4), God’s (5-8), and the king (9-12). Israel felt rejected, broken, and vulnerable (1). The earth felt like it was shaking under their feet (2). Hard things were happening (3). People were staggering (4), but their hope was under the Lord’s “banner.” “Banner” transitions the worshipper from pain to promises. “Banners” were set up for those who feared the Lord, turning to Him for salvation (Exodus 17:15). “Banner” was a word of hope in judgment (Numbers 21:8), a signal of salvation for all who believe (Isaiah 11:10). The beloved of God will be delivered (5), but not so His enemies (6-9). Jesus says He is the signal of God’s salvation, lifted up “…that whoever believes may be saved” (John 3:14-15). God’s faithfulness is seen when eyes of faith look up from struggles to see Jesus, the banner of His gospel promises. God has not rejected His people (10). Jesus is our banner of hope, the signal of salvation. The situation of Israel described in verses 1-4 point to the work of Jesus as our representative. Jesus was rejected and broken and the earth shook after His death. Hard things happened to Him so hope can dawn in the hearts of all who look to Him for salvation. Jesus is God's gospel banner and He provides a path for people to move from pain to praise! Today’s Reading To the choirmaster: according to Shushan Eduth. A Miktam of David; for instruction; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, and when Joab on his return struck down twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses; you have been angry; oh, restore us. 2 You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open; repair its breaches, for it totters. 3 You have made your people see hard things; you have given us wine to drink that made us stagger. 4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah 5 That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by your right hand and answer us! 6 God has spoken in his holiness: “With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Vale of Succoth. 7 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet; Judah is my scepter. 8 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” 9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go forth, O God, with our armies. 11 Oh, grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! 12 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially in where you identify with Israel in verse 1-4? -The Lord is gracious to lift a banner for His people, a signal of salvation. Take a moment to pray, asking the Father to turn your eyes from your struggles to Jesus, looking to Jesus alone for salvation and strength. -Jesus says that “whomever” looks to Him can be saved. Do you know someone whose pain and problems are drowning them and they need help seeing the signal of salvation? Pray the Lord will open a door in conversation with this person and call them sometime in the next few days. Key Verse 4 You have set up a banner for those who fear you, that they may flee to it from the bow. Selah
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