God Is For You – Jehovah Nissi
Have you ever been a fan of someone or something? Perhaps you’ve bought the t-shirt, the flag, or the season tickets. But have you ever thought about God being your fan? It sounds surprising, but it’s true: God is for you!
Romans 8:28-32 reminds us that God has chosen us, predestined us, justified us, and glorified us. This is His doing. Picture the schoolyard with captains picking teams. Remember the unlucky ones left out? God picks those people! He wants them on His team. John 15:13-16 tells us that He chose us, loves us, and even died for us.
Consider a young couple, inseparable in their love, enduring any hardship together. Contrast this with betrayal, like William Wallace walking into a trap in Braveheart. True friends reveal themselves in conflict. Similarly, what is evident in scripture is that God shows His commitment to us during our battles.
In Exodus 17:8, we see Israel at Rephidim, a place of rest for the people governed by God. Many of us struggle to rest, trying to earn God’s favour. But Hebrews 4:1-3 assures us that through Jesus, we have rest from striving for salvation. Our actions stem from our love for God, not a need to earn His approval.
However, whilst being in this place of rest, the Amalekites, symbolic of the flesh, the world, and the enemy, attacked Israel at Rephidim. We face similar battles daily. The enemy does not like us enjoying rest in God. So attacks occur.
God intervenes.
Interestingly, in Exodus 17:9-13, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, and Hur each play a crucial role in the victory. This teaches us that everyone has a part in God’s work, especially in prayer, discipleship, and worship. God could have defeated Amalek miraculously, but He chose to involve His people. This teaches us responsibility and dependency on Him. Each person’s contribution was vital for victory. In our lives, we too need the body of Christ working together, with prayer being paramount.
After the victory, an altar is built and the name of it is unto God – Jehovah Nissi. Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my Banner, symbolises God’s presence and victory. In battle, banners rallied troops and provided confidence. Our banners are the works of Jesus—His sacrifice, resurrection, and ongoing work in our lives. They remind us of God’s power and our dependency on Him.
Israel learned at Rephidim that resting in God and trusting Him brings victory. God fights for us and is always on our side. He has promised to never leave us, to be our strength, and to complete His work in us. When the enemy attacks, remember: Jehovah Nissi—God is our Banner!