16 February

“Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means ‘the LORD is my banner’”. (Exodus 17:15)

The hostile Amalekites had just attacked Israel. They were a fierce nomadic tribe descended from Esau, who made their livelihood through raids on others, carrying off plundered goods and killing for pleasure. (Does that sound familiar in present-day Nigeria?) They saw Israel as a soft target for their pleasure and profit. Is someone trying to crush you by their strength? Thus says the Lord: “He will protect his faithful ones, but the wicked will disappear in darkness. No one will succeed by strength alone.” (1 Samuel 2:9) Moses held up his hands like a banner, supported by Aaron and Hur till Amalek was completely defeated. The Lord is our banner through all our battles, lifted up as a symbol of security, hope and freedom, and powerful enough to defeat every foe.

ACTION: We will always lift up our hands in prayer to the Lord our banner.

PRAYER: Father God, please send us helpers for such a time as this.