Exodus 16-18

Sports enthusiasts are gearing up for the 2026 Winder Olympics in Italy. In just a couple weeks, hundreds of athletes who have sacrificed, trained, pushed themselves beyond their limits, will be competing under the banner of a country they identify with, a country they will represent on the world’s stage.

You won’t have to guess what country they are competing for. They will be wearing the colors of that nation’s flag. They will be holding or walking behind a very large banner with the name of that country printed proudly for all the world to see.

One of the names of God, given by Moses, is The Lord is my Banner. “Let there be no mistake,” Moses is saying, “God is our everything. He is the One for whom we fight, the One who has our loyalty, the One we identify with and honor.”

I have to ask myself what is written on my banner. Could it be my own name? Maybe the name of my family, or my career. Might “VICTIM” be displayed, or “HEALTH AND WEALTH?”

The questions I’m asking myself are, who or what has the majority of my attention, the bulk of my effort, the focus of my life? Is God my everything, or just another thing? If I am identified with The Lord, do I honor Him with my words and actions? Do I represent Him on the world’s stage with honesty and integrity?

I want to display The Lord is my Banner loudly and proudly, understanding that means I represent Him on the job, in my family, with my thoughts and in every choice I make.

People are going to be watching the Olympic athletes both on and off the competition field. They are going to be judging countries by the performance and behavior of the athletes wearing their colors. Will they measure up to the expectations of the country under whose banner they compete? Will they enhance the reputation of that country, or will they be a black mark against it?

People watch you, too, both in church and outside the walls of your church. They will be judging God by your performance and behavior. I pray we who call ourselves Christians, who march behind the The Lord is my Banner, will represent the Lord in a manner worthy of Him.

Let’s pray for each other, as we together proudly display The Lord is my Banner.