I was driving about one day, and I saw a flagpole that was leaning. Our nation’s flag was not touching the ground, but as I looked at it, I was reminded of the story behind the National Anthem. In 1814 our country was under attacked, and Francis Scott Key was asking for the release of a prisoner. While onboard the British ship, a battle arose between the British at sea and Fort McHenry. All through the night the fight ensued and bombs exploded. When dawn came the question was, “Is the flag still there?” Amazingly, the flag still stood. Despite the enemy attacks, the men, and boys, in the fort had rushed to hold up the flag. Men sacrificed and died to keep that flag standing so it would not touch the ground. The flag was the signal that we, as a nation, had not given up; we were still standing.
In this Christian life, we are asked to help carry our brothers and sisters’ flags as they walk through wearisome times. Paul says we are to bear with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-3). To bear is to hold up. We are to hold those up who are weary. When they feel like giving up, we are to come and help hold them up, keep their flag standing, and tell the enemy we are not surrendering to his attacks! In the book of Exodus, the Israelite children are attacked by the Amalekites. Moses, who stood on the top of the hill, lifted the rod of God in his hand, and when he did, the Israelites prevailed, but when he grew tired and let his hands down, the enemy prevailed (Exodus 17:10-12). Two men came alongside Moses and held his arms up when he grew weary. And Israel won the fight.
While Moses’ hands were up they were winning the war, but when they came down they began loosing. Sometimes we need to be like the two men; we need to lift up the hands of our fellow believers when they cannot. Those who held the flag for our nation, many of them lost their lives to keep the hope and message of non-surrender alive. When we hold another Christian’s arms up in the faith the enemy begins to direct his fire at us. He knows if we let go their arms will drop, and they will lean and surrender.
My friends, we are called to fight alongside our fellow Christians. We cannot let the fear of the fight stop us from helping those in need. A soul of another is worth enduring the attacks of the enemy. Just know we are at war and hardships happen, but we will not leave our fellow believers to fend for themselves. No! Let us hold them up as they grow weary. Let us be the one to stand with them.
– Moriah
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One response to “The Flag”
The Lord was literally just reminding me of that same thing this morning. My soul is worth fighting for and going out of my way to get right. At least Jesus thought so. What a call to action like the brave souls who put their lives at risk for something greater than themselves. Thanks Hagelbooks!