Jehova Nissi: The Lord is My Banner
By Enoc Garcia, Washington Conference communication director
As the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness, they experienced God's providential leading and wonder-working power time and again.
From parting the sea to providing bread from heaven, God's miracles testified to His grace and mercy. In Exodus 17:1-7, the Israelites contended with Moses for water, showcasing their tendency to forget God's past provisions and miracles. Despite their grumbling and complaining, God provided water from a rock, symbolizing life and salvation.
This story highlights God's patience, grace, and mercy even when His people doubt His presence.
When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites at Rephidim (Exodus 17:8-16), Moses instructed Joshua to lead the battle while he stood on the hill with the rod of God. As long as Moses' hands were raised, the Israelites prevailed. When his hands grew tired, Aaron and Hur supported him, ensuring victory. After a long day of battle and Moses’ supernatural intercession, the Israelites prevailed! As God’s people once again experienced victory, Moses built an altar and called its name “The Lord Is My Banner.”
The altar named Jehovah Nissi was a declaration that God was the true and only banner, under whose name the Israelites defeated their enemies. No victory could be attributed to their “goodness” but only to God’s faithfulness. And this truth extends to us today. Every miracle we experience from day to day is a testament to Jesus’s faithfulness in our lives. He is our more glorious Moses who intercedes for us and leads us to victory. He is the living water, the bread of life, and the rock of our salvation.
In moments of doubt and weariness, remember that Jesus fights for you and intercedes on your behalf.
You don’t fight this battle alone! He does not grow tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28) and is ready to intercede for you (Hebrews 7:25). Lift up your hands in praise, knowing that Christ is your banner, and your victory is secure in Him today.