The Names of GodНамуна

Today we are going to reflect on the Name Jehovah Nissi meaning, the Lord is my banner. This name has a military connotation to it. At that time, nations were going to war with one another. We may not be in the same context today, but we can relate to that image of God going before us, fighting our battles for us, and guiding our path.

In this story, we see that when Moses keeps his arms raised with the staff of God, Israel prevails, and they eventually have victory. After that, Moses builds an altar there and calls it Jehovah Nissi. It is interesting to note how God sent the Israelites into battle. It was not the soldiers that were upfront as you would expect. There was a band of worshippers in front of them with the banner. It showed the Israelites that God fights on their behalf.

We are seated in victory over the enemies of our souls because of what Jesus has done for us. God has seated us in victory. Victory is not a temporary win; it is a life philosophy in God’s economy. He always wins.

David was another man of God who knew and understood this character of God. In Psalm 23 we see that he says, “You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies”. So, while enemies are all around, I can sit down in peace, I can break bread. When threats and attacks are coming, I can be still. Similarly, David wrote in Psalm 18: 1-3, "I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies." He is our rock, that’s under us, our fortress that’s around us and our deliverer that’s above us. There are other beautiful metaphors to describe what God is like to him in the following verses.

Jehovah Nissi encompasses all those aspects. He fights for us. He goes on our behalf to battle. He is our greatest defence. It’s not just that He’s a strength to you, but you have found strength in Him, you have chosen to trust Him. There is an intentionality there. God is not just the protector to anyone or a stronghold to anyone. You’ve got to trust and put your faith in Him. The whole of Psalm 18 is a song written by David which he hands over to the chief musician so that the whole nation could recognise and put their trust in God as their banner.

Reflect

Mediate on Psalm 3:3:

"But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head."

Take a few moments to ponder on the fact that God is our protector and defender in spiritual battles. My confidence is in You. You are a shield around me. God fights our battles for us, He goes ahead of us. It is His plan and His strategies that I put my trust in. Trusting in Jehovah Nissi strengthens my faith and reliance on God’s sovereignty.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, that you are our banner, and that you are a shield around me, a rock I can stand on and my refuge. We thank You for the permanent victory we live in, because of what Jesus has done on that cross for us. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.