PASTOR'S CORNER     

GOD’S BANNER OF LOVE

This is our Year of Rest and in order to experience this in its entirety, we must trust God whole-heartedly.  This month, as the shelves in shops are stocked with valentine’s gifts and everyone cashes in on the concept of love, we must remember the never-ending love of God.  This unconditional love is the reason why Christ was born and died for us.  God’s love is not ethereal and does not waver whether He receives a card from us or not.  With this in mind, let’s explore the concept of God’s Banner of Love.

The Love of God

Song of Solomon 2:4 says, ‘…He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love…’  According to the Oxford English Reference Dictionary, a banner is usually employed in a demonstration or procession.  May I suggest that God’s intention is to publicly declare His love for His children. The bible is full of references to the unfailing and unconditional love of God.

 His love for us cannot diminish or increase as a result of our actions.  Isaiah 49:15-16 says, ‘…can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne…I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me…’ As a parent nurtures a child and proudly watches as that child succeeds in life, so is God’s love for us.  Unconditional, generous, forgiving, kind and selfless. 

Isaiah 43:1-4 says, ‘…I have summoned you by name; you are mine…you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you…’ and Isaiah 54:10 says ‘…my unfailing love for you shall not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed…’

We experience certain benefits when we reside under God’s banner of love.  The bible says in Psalm 91 that, ‘He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty…’

 

Protection:  The love of God shields, protects and guides us even when we do not merit it.  We may not realise it, but everyday, God’s love designs our course in life.    Though we may falter, He continues to lead us on our way.  Psalm 23:4 says, ‘…for thou art with me…’  Those who love us do not desert us in the midst of trouble.  Likewise God stands by  us when all others desert us.  Who would wish to stand by someone for whom they have no love?  The Lion of the Tribe of Judah preserves and prolongs our life.  He promises us in Joshua 1:5, ‘…I will never leave you nor forsake you…’

 

Promotion : God enriches our life simply because He loves us.  He enhances the ‘flavour’ of the gifts which He bestowed on us.  For example, if we are musicians, He makes us perform better than we could in our own strength and He brings us before great men.  God advertises our skills and presents us with opportunities to excel.

Provision: God nourishes us and brings us refreshment with His love.  Our every need is met in Him and we obtain those things, which previously eluded us. Matthew reminds us that ‘…even the hairs on your head are numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows…’    No-one, but someone, who truly cares would take the time to count something which appears to be without number.  He truly cares about every aspect of our life and our well-being is His primary concern.

1 Corinthians 13 confirms that without love, we are nothing. We cannot be effective as Christians if we lack the foundation on which our faith is built. Joy abounds where love abides. The bible reveals to us that in God’s presence, there is fullness of joy. Such joy cannot exist if love is absent. The Almighty protects, promotes and provides for those on whom He bestows His love. We must keep our heart tender in order to experience the wonder that is God’s eternal love.

God’s love has guided and shielded us in the ‘difficult’ times and now it is time to bask in His presence and enjoy the loving bounty that He has furnished.

This is our year of rest. This is our year to reside under the shadow of the Almighty. This is the time to experience the love and generosity of the Rose of Sharon.