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Moses was old and getting tired. He couldn’t keep holding up his arms, but every time they dropped, the Israelites, under the command of Joshua, were losing the battle against the Amalekites (Ex. 17:8-16). So, Aaron and Hur, who had joined him on the mountain, found a rock for him to sit on and help up his arms, one on the right, and one on the left, until the battle was won.
Highlighting the significance of Aaron and Hur in support of their friend is important. Through their example, we remember the ways in which others have lovingly supported us during difficult times... the “one another” passages in the New Testament... the vital role the church plays.
However, the end of the story reveals what we must never forget (Ex. 17:15). The altar that Moses built was called Yahweh Nissi, “The Lord is My Banner.” This is the name of God that proclaims His protection, leadership, and deliverance. The banner reference is also a celebration in His honor, a recognition of who He is and what He has done.
God, Yahweh Nissi, is the One who made victory possible. We grow weak and tired. Friends may help hold up our arms, but it is the Lord, our Banner, the eternal source of deliverance, the One who deserves the honor and the glory, who we call on today and celebrate.
How has God been Yahweh Nissi in your life? What can you celebrate, in a banner today, that He has delivered you from?
#IronRoseSister #YahwehNissi #truefriend #namesofGod #MichelleJGoff #LordismyBanner
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“What is in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet).
No matter which of God’s names we use, there is no sweeter sound than the proclamation of His name.
Throughout Scripture, we see many names for God. At this time of year, we take the time to focus on Christ’s birth—the Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us, the fulfillment of the prophesies and personification of many names of God.
Last year, my sister heard a radio interview through Focus on the Family, in which they shared an idea for how to keep Christ in the center of Christmas, as a family. Depending on the age and abilities or interests of the children, the activity can be adapted.
The idea is that you spend time focusing on the names of God and incorporate them into your decorations, family discussions, thus bringing Christ into the conversation during the holidays. For example, using the names of Jesus, as mentioned by prophet Isaiah as His birth was foretold, or names like Emmanuel, “God with us.”
For her family, my sister and brother-in-law encouraged my then five-year-old nephew to write out the names of Christ on strips of paper that they made into a paper rings and hung on their tree. As he carefully copied the letters of each name, they would discuss what that name meant and would read a simple verse about that aspect of Christ. His little sister, who was two at the time, would be encouraged to repeat the name and was able to color on a few paper strips of her own that had Christ’s name written by one of the adults.
Inspired by this idea, and encouraged by this practice, for the month of December, we are going to focus on the names of Christ. Before I share which ones we have selected for the month, please tell us which are your favorites and why that that name is special to you!
#IronRoseSister #MichelleJGoff #namesofGod #Christ #Christmas