Standard Bearer

 October 12, 2020

During our worship service yesterday, our worship leader spoke about the role of standard bearers in battle, before the advent of modern communications. Regiments would carry flags with their insignia on them so they could see where the rest of their army, and where the enemy was. This became increasingly important with the advent of black powder weapons in the late Middle Ages. In the American Civil War, battlefields would often be so blanketed by smoke that it was almost impossible to ascertain where one was; the regimental battle flag—the standard, or banner—was absolutely essential to the effective functioning of an army.

Being the standard bearer was perhaps the most dangerous assignment in battle. One couldn’t carry the flag and a weapon at the same time. And since the battle flag was so essential to the functioning of an army and its loss would sow confusion in the ranks, the standard bearer became a prime target of the enemy. Even so, it was considered a position of honor, and if the standard bearer was wounded or killed, a nearby soldier would unhesitatingly drop his weapon and grab the flag to make sure it didn’t fall to the ground. Having one’s battle flag captured by the enemy was among the worst dishonors to be endured.

The Bible says the LORD is our Banner (Exodus 17:15). Isaiah 11:10 says, “The Root of Jesse will stand as a banner to the people, and the Gentiles shall seek him.” Jesus Christ stood high on the hill off Calvary, targeted by all the Enemy’s demonic armies, drawing the fire to himself. He didn’t allow his guiding and protecting banner of the Cross fall to the ground; it still stands tall for all to see, a guide for his followers, and a target of the enemy.

He calls us to hold that banner high, to not let it fall. There are those who if they are to successfully wage their war against evil must be able to see the banner we hold up. It means becoming a target, attracting the hostile arrows of the enemy and his forces. Holding this banner means we have dropped our weapons of both defense and offense (2 Corinthians 10 4-5), standing exposed, drawing fire to ourselves for the sake of others. Still, it is an honor to be a standard bearer for the Lord.