His Banner Over Me is Love

Happy Flag Day! I come from a long line of proud flag-wavers.  My Dad always had the Stars and Stripes hanging from our front porch, even on non-holidays.  He also taught us flag etiquette, including how to properly, and reverently, fold the flag into a triangle at dusk.  The sight of our “banner“, waving in the breeze, should cause our hearts to swell with national pride. Woven into that iconic red, white and blue fabric is the history of our beloved homeland.

Throughout time, our nation’s banner went before the military into battle, flew freely over schools, led U.S. athletes into the Olympic games, and held an honored position in every place of worship. Around the world, the emotional tie to one’s flag is the same.  In addition, people living under the auspices of the Star Spangled Banner share the rights that our citizenship bestows upon us.  Speaking of citizenship, Paul tells we present day believers, and the church at Philippi, that while we may live, and pay taxes in certain areas, in actuality we are citizens of a far greater nation. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;” Philippians 3:20.

What a joy to know that our “national banner” is God’s love, covering and protecting all the citizens. "He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.” Song of Solomon 2:4.  So go ahead, shake our Old Glory and let her fly today, but make sure you raise His banner, for the world to see, every day. “In that day the heir to David's throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.” Isaiah 11:10.