In the United States, Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution passed on that day stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”  That star spangled banner has changed a bit over the years, but we still observe Flag Day to remind us that we live in a nation that gives us rights and freedoms.

Over the years, a lot more has changed than the flag. Our freedoms have allowed those with different values and beliefs to live alongside us. In recent times, it seems as though beliefs that conflict with those of Christians are being forced upon us by society. That can be frustrating at times, but it is always an opportunity for us to let our light shine.

I identify with the flag of the United States of America. I feel happy and blessed to be part of this nation. But I have an even greater allegiance to something else: my Lord and my Savior. I want to stand under His banner.

Banners are mentioned in Scripture, often as rallying points for groups of people. A banner would identify those who gathered under it. That being said, take a look at the following passages.

Exodus 17:15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.

The Lord Himself, the God of Creation, the God of Salvation, the God who makes us holy, is the one under whom we gather. We want to be identified as His, and He has claimed us as His own dearly loved children. Knowing that is what we are, we strive to live His way in grateful response to having been brought into His family.

Song of Solomon 2:4 He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.

This love song can be understood as describing the love God has for His people, the love that Christ has for the Church. God’s love can also be the banner under which we gather, because John tells us quite plainly the God is Love (1 John 4:8). That love is the reason we have the certainty of God’s forgiveness. It led Jesus to come down here as offer Himself as the payment for the sins of the world.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I am grateful to rally under the US flag. But even more important is that I gather with my brothers and sisters in Christ under the banner of the redeeming love of God.