The Flag and Our Banner

Since September 11, 2001, and the terroristic attacks against the United States, Flag Day has taken on greater meaning.  June 14 is the anniversary of the official adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in 1777 as Flag Day.  Celebrations on this day gained in popularity in the eighteen hundreds.  In 1894 the governor of New York ordered that the American flag be displayed at all public buildings.  President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first nationwide Flag Day in 1916 and in 1947, President Harry Truman signed legislation requesting that National Flag Day be observed annually.

The U.S. flag contains 13 red and white stripes which represent the original 13 colonies.  The 50 white stars on a blue background represent the current 50 states comprising the USA.  The colors of the flag are symbolic.  White signifies purity and innocence; red, hardiness and valor; and blue, vigilance, perseverance, and justice.  The stars, stripes and colors of the flag is why it is sometimes referred to as: “The Star-Spangled Banner”, “The Stars and Stripes”, “The Red, White and Blue”, or “Old Glory.”  For Americans, the flag represents all the above.

Not only do Christians stand under the American flag, but they have a special banner flying over them.  That banner is none other than God’s love.  The Bible says, “He has taken me to the banquet hall, and His banner over me is love” (Song of Solomon 2:4). The Scriptures further state:

1)      God loves people so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

2)      We can have a positive relationship with God because of His gracious act of love. “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (I Peter 3:18).

3)      Being part of God’s forever family is based on receiving and believing.  “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

4)      Living with God eternally has been made possible because of Christ. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

The American flag should cause us to well up with loyalty and allegiance to our country.  God’s banner over us (His love) should also cause us to well up with gratitude and thanksgiving for His involvement in our lives and the many blessings He provides.

The Colors of Freedom

Red, white and blue are probably the three colors that come to mind most often when we think of the Fourth of July, the United States of America, our flag, patriotism, and the freedom that we enjoy in this great country of ours.  However, I would like to direct your attention to these three colors as they relate to God and to our relationship with Him.

·       Red.  We know that blood is red.  I John 1:7 says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us form all sin”.  The death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary was the only answer to the sin problem of mankind.  His death paid the penalty for our sin and made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God.

·       White.  White stands for cleansing and purity.  I John 1:9 continues, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us form all unrighteousness”.  The stain of sin is purified and cleansed by Jesus Christ, making us right with God.  That happens only because of the death of Christ on the cross for us and not by any kind of works that you and I can do.  It is only because of Christ’s death that we are cleansed from sin. Red and white are placed together when Isaiah 1:18 summarizes the action of Christ and the implication for you and me when he says, “‘Come now, let us reason together’ says the Lord.  ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool’”.  What a difference the work of Christ makes for you and me.

·       Blue.  Blue speaks of tranquility and peace.  This is explained in Philippians 4:7 which says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  The source of God’s peace is the indwelling Christ.  It was Jesus, who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  When fear is removed there is peace and tranquility.

As you celebrate the Fourth of July this year and when you see the colors red, white, and blue, I encourage you to thank God for your freedom and for the United States of America.  Let’s also be quick to thank God for: Red – The blood of Christ that was shed for us; White – The fact that through Christ we are pure and cleansed from our sin; and Blue – The peace that God gives us through a personal relationship with Christ.

The Colors of Freedom

Red, white and blue are probably the three colors that come to our minds most often when we think of the Fourth of July, America, the flag, patriotism, and the freedom that we enjoy in this great country of ours.  However, I would like to direct your attention to these three colors as they relate to God and to our relationship with Him.

·         Red.  We know that blood is red.  John says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us form all sin” (I John 1:7).  The death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary was the only answer to the sin problem of mankind.  His death paid the penalty for our sin and made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God.

·         White.  White stands for cleansing and purity.  John continues, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us form all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).  The stain of sin is purified and cleansed by Jesus Christ, making us right with God.  That happens only because of the death of Christ on the cross for us and not by any kind of works that you and I can do.  It is only because of Christ’s death that we are cleansed from sin.  Both of these colors are placed together when Isaiah summarizes the action of Christ and the implication that it has for you and me.  Isaiah says, “Come now, let us reason together’ says the Lord.  ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18).  What a difference the work of Christ makes for you and me.

·        Blue.  When we think of the color blue, tranquility and peace are the words that come to mind.  Philippians says,“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).  Just the simple words of this verse have a calming effect on people.  And of course, the source of God’s peace is the indwelling Christ.  It was Jesus, who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  When fear is removed there is peace and tranquility.

As you celebrate the Fourth of July this year and when you see the colors red, white, and blue, I encourage you to thank God for your freedom and for the United States of America.  Let’s also be quick to thank Him for: (1) Red – The blood of Christ that was shed for us. (2) White – The fact that through Christ we are pure and cleansed from our sin.  (3) Blue – The peace that God gives us through a personal relationship with Christ.