Read Isaiah 11:10 and John 12:18-21
“In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:10)
Throughout the Old Testament, banners are used to identify different people groups. In Exodus 28:15-21, the Israelites are instructed by God to create banners or standards that represent each of the 12 tribes of Israel. Banners are also used to rally armies on the verge of battle as signified in Jeremiah 51:27: “Lift up a banner in the land! Blow the trumpet among the nations! Prepare the nations for battle against [Babylon].” Lastly, banners are used in celebration of victory. David declares in Psalm 20:5, “May we shout for joy over your victory and lift our banners in the name of our God.” This comes as a prayer of thanksgiving that acknowledges the victory found in God alone.
Isaiah 11:10 proclaims that “the root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the people; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.” Jesus fulfills this prophecy because He is a descendant of David, the son of Jesse. More importantly, His death on the Cross has made Him a banner for salvation, calling to not only Jews but peoples of every tribe and tongue and nation to be saved. Jesus is the banner under which we all find our identity as children of God. He is the banner we follow through the spiritual battles of this life to find strength and dignity. And He is the banner through which we have the ultimate victory.
As the church, we are called to look like Jesus. He is a banner for the nations, proclaiming the salvation that He alone can provide. We too should be a banner proclaiming the truth, righteousness, glory, and love of Christ to all peoples: men and women, Jew and Gentile, young and old. Just like the Israelites followed their banners into battle, we too must follow Jesus into the battles of this life with the knowledge that He alone can lead us to victory.
DIG DEEPER:
- How does Jesus inspire and empower you as you look to Him during tough times in your life?
- How do you think others would be inspired or rallied as they see the banner of Jesus raised in your life?
written by Lizzy Ibitoye
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