onedisciplesjourney | May 23, 2020 | 3 min read
One disciple's journey to holding the Banner high
Photo by Anton Darius on Unsplash
“In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.” ~Isaiah 11:10
God’s Word is always alive and active. While God’s Truth — this Banner — is unchanging throughout the ages, it is never static. God’s Spirit anoints the Scripture as it is read first-hand, but God’s people are the testimony to His Truth. God uses our lives to continuously proclaim the reality of His Word to those around us.
For many years, I believed (particularly as a writer), that I had little to contribute to the world at large. From my perspective, everything has already been said, really. Books have been written, stories told, songs sung, plays performed — what’s not been said and done before? What could I possibly add that would be anything more than just noise — a feeble echo of the Truth that’s already been proclaimed?
But as I continue to read about the lives of those throughout the centuries who were truly invested in the work of the Holy Spirit, I am coming to understand that God’s means of carrying His Truth to current and future generations is accomplished through each of us who is committed to Him.
“His Truth goes marching on” as the hymn so gallantly proclaims! I am victoriously learning that, yes, it does! How? It happens through the words already penned — no doubt, that is one way. But for each generation, God raises up those who are surrendered to Him — those who seek Him with all their hearts. God uses these people to study, and write, and sing, and speak, and draw, and paint, and create, and share His Truth in new ways, for such a time as this.
The ancient Truth of God’s Word will never change, but what does change are the ways in which we as a people are able to understand that Truth. So there must be those from all walks of life who are willing to lay down their lives for the sake of knowing God, who will choose to live for the purpose of The Kingdom — and hold the Banner high— that all may see and hear what God has done for us!
Perhaps I‘ve been terribly slow to learn this while erring on the side of never wanting to add meaninglessly to the greater conversation. This conversation, at times exquisite, can also at times seem a bit clamorous. I confess that when the noise gets louder, I’d rather just retreat altogether. But I believe I’m finally finding the faith and courage to share my voice, and I pray it is not overbearing. I think of it as simply one disciple’s journey. For I know I’m just one, but I am choosing to hold the Banner high, that all may see what God has done for me.
~em
“Go back and report what you have seen…the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” Luke 7:22
“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God endures forever.” Isaiah 40:8
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me.” Psalm 66:16