090. PSA 20:5. THE CHURCH’S BANNERS

Psa_20:5. The Church’s Banners

"In the name of our God we will set up our banners."’97Psa_20:5.

The church of God has to wage constant war with the powers of the world, and the prince of darkness. The contest has been carried on from the fall to the present hour, and will be extended until Satan shall be bruised under the feet of God’s people; Rom_16:20. The Psa. ist knew experimentally the nature of the conflict, and was encouraged by the prayers and resolutions of the church as contained in this psalm. Our text contains

I. A Reference to the Church’s Banners.

A banner is a flag or standard, generally bearing some inscription, often the name or arms of the country to which it belongs. The Christian’s banner is the gospel of truth; it bears on it the form of a cross, and the inscription is, "Unto him that loved us," &c.; Rev_1:5.

Let us notice the propriety of the figure employed, this will appear when we notice,

1. That the banner is unfurled at the proclamation of war.

The spirit, maxims, and statements of the gospel are all at war with the corruptions of human nature’97the fashions of the world’97and the empire of Satan; 2Co_10:4; 1Ti_1:18; Mat_10:34.

2. The banner is also elevated as a to ken of peace.

The white banner of truce is a sign for the cessation of hostilities. We are called to wage war with sin, but to be reconciled, and be at peace with God. The gospel is a message of peace. "How beautiful the feet of them that bring good tidings," &c.; Isa_53:7.

3. The banner is hoisted as the centre of attraction.

The rallying point for the scattered troops. The gospel is the only appointed medium of uniting the church; God never intended that they should be united by human creeds, or systems, or distinctions, but by and in the truth;’97all one by faith in Christ Jesus.

4. Banners were elevated for direction.

Gospel is not only the record of life, and the message of salvation, but the Christian’s guide and directory to heaven.

5. Banners are waved as signals of triumph.

When the conqueror returned, the citizens hailed him; garlands were formed and streaming banners waved; and thus he passed through the triumphal arches of his native city. The Christian is a conqueror, and he conquers by the power of the truth. "More than conquerors," &c.; Isai. 35:13; 2Pe_1:11; Rom_8:37. Observe then,

II. The Church’s Resolution.

"In the name of our God we will set up our banners."

These banners have been variously dealt with; opposed by foes; neglected by slumbering friends; and have been made to bear false inscriptions by false teachers, &c. The true church ever feels the importance of setting them up.

In doing this,

1. Suitable elevations must be chosen.

Houses must be erected where God can be worshipped, and his truth proclaimed Psa_132:5.

2. Banner-bearers must be supported Men who shall lift up their voice as a trumpet, and run to and fro to preach the gospel of salvation’97their wants must be met’97hands held up’97hearts encouraged, &c.’97"brethren, pray for us," &c.; Gal_6:6.

3. The banners must be set up’97"in the name of our God." By his auhority’97for his glory’97in dependence upon his influences. All the glory, excellency, and influence of the gospel is of God; Rom_1:16; 2Co_4:7.

Now there are many reasons why the church should feel this resolution; especially,

(1) Because of the righteousness of the cause. God has a right to reign over all his creatures’97both the earth and the heaven are the Lord’s.

(2) Because it is associated with purest feelings of philanthropy. Glory to God, peace on earth, and good will to men’97the only message of salvation to a perishing world.

(3) Because our profession, and our affection to Christ and immortal souls, should constrain us to count all things as dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord; and that all men might know him, be blessed in him, and call him blessed.

Application

1. Let the soldiers of the cross be strong, and quit themselves like men; rejoice in the goodness of their cause’97skill and power of their Captain’97and the final success of their enterprise.

2. Let all be done with purity of motive in the name of the Lord.

3. Let the opposing sinner cease his foolish opposition; and sue for peace, and live.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS