The Gonfalonier

Gonfalonier, now there’s a word that has fallen out of use. Literally, it means a standard bearer – one who carries a flag or banner, for example. It later evolved into a prestigious position in hierarchical circles. Back in the days of more hand-to-hand combat, the soldiers would stay close to the gonfalonier in combat, and of course the raised flag would make him much easier to see. From thus comes the old battle cry, “Rally ‘round the flag boys!”

We’re in the midst of our country’s most patriotic season, what with Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. We’ll see a lot of our flag. It still has great meaning!

In Numbers 2, we are told that each of the twelve tribes of Israel had their own banner or standard. Psalm 20:5 informs us, “We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!” (NKJV).

The term is also used metaphorically. “Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner” (Exodus 17:15). Psalm 60:4 speaks similarly, “You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.”

Isaiah 11:10 foretells, “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” Jesus says of Himself, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

I’ve often wondered at the extra bit of courage a soldier needed to become the flag-bearer. The enemy is fast approaching with guns and swords and all he would have is a pole with a flag on it. I’m sure many wanted to do it because of the honor of bearing the flag, but how many died for that honor.

We quickly observe in the scriptures that The-Lord-Is-My-Banner, though an excellent statement about our relationship with God, was not a guarantee of the defense of our earthly lives. In fact, many “had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” (Revelation 6:9). It is still happening in our evil world.

In fact, it falls on all Christians to hold up our Banner, Jesus, for all in this evil world to see. Yes, it takes great courage sometimes, but that is why Jesus said, in warning Christians of the approaching life-threating situations, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b).

What is your level of honor in wearing the name of Christ? Do you have the faith and courage to face any threatening occasion that may come your way because of the One whose name we are lifting up? Are you a faithful gonfalonier?

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

“I Will Run the Course of Your Commandments”

I love the 800 meters race. It is the perfect mix of tactics required in a long-distance event and the sprint speed needed for the final “kick.” There have been a few runners over the years who have tried to run it as a sprint, but when they get to the last stretch, the “kickers” catch up and win.

Why is this? Much like a NASCAR race, they have been running as fast as they can, but then there’s not enough gas in the tank to finish. Memories of this from my younger days still literally burn in my memory. I would always try to finish any race strong, but while doing this, my chest would feel like it was on fire, and I would cross the line gulping the air down as quickly as possible.

In the great chapter of the Bible completely dedicated to God’s word and all things connected to it, Psalm 119, we get a taste of our spiritual race. “I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart” (119:32 NKJV).

We understand that when we make obedience to God’s commands our goal, that is a tremendous and worthwhile effort! Yes, there will be huge challenges along the way, when you don’t feel that you can make it, but that is where God “enlarges your heart.” You can do it!

Hebrews chapter 11 gives us several examples of great men and women of faith. They obeyed God, even if they were severely persecuted or even killed. Then they are considered as witnesses to our race of faith and obedience in chapter 12:1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

It's all in there: 1) We run the course of His commands. 2) Sin hinders us from doing that, so we set it aside. 3) We are determined to have the endurance to finish faithfully. 4) God enlarges our hearts by providing the example of His Son, Jesus, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2).

So, how is your race going? Are sin’s temptations slowing you down because you haven’t completely rid them from your life. Does your life seem difficult due to the day-in-day-out responsibilities? Are you trusting too much in yourself and not enough in the Father and Son? Join us at the South Stokes Church of Christ as we run together to be rewarded with the “crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Victory will be oh so sweet!

Jeff Greene, minister for the South Stokes Church of Christ

"I Can Get Three F's and Still Not Fail"

     Those were the words I overheard one time from a group of middle school youngsters who were just starting the school year. It seems one of their number was new to the school district and her friends were informing her of how easy it was to succeed. I’m sure she was thrilled to know she could fail three classes and not need to repeat seventh grade.

     But is that really succeeding? Most of us realize immediately that one of the problems of our culture is there are so many who are satisfied with minimum effort. Lackadaisical students too often become irresponsible adults. Parents, teachers and even our government are forever trying to find ways to change this pattern at an early age.

     What about the church? How would you sum up your desires to serve the Lord? If you could, would you ask God what is the least that you could do to gain that eternal heavenly home? While I’ve never heard any Christian admit such a desire, it’s obviously being practiced. What motivates you to serve God?

     Our greatest motive to serve is in response to what God has done for us. “Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you” [1 Samuel 12:24]. Heaven isn’t a paycheck we receive for a life of labor. It’s a home we look forward to spending an eternal holiday in with our spiritual family. First century Christians got tired out, too. The message to inspire them was also one of responding: “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls” [Hebrews 12:3].

     So, what’s it going to be for you? Are you “pressing on” [Philippians 3:14] or figuring out ways to do the bare minimum? Are you “fervent in spirit” [Acts 18:25] or “lukewarm” [Revelation 3:16]? Are you “diligent” [Hebrews 6:11, 11:6] or “sluggish” [Hebrews 6:12]? Can you join with Paul in saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” [2 Timothy 4:7‑8]? If not, I hope you make it your goal TODAY to turn things around. Become one of those whose life is a response to God like those who “loved His appearing.”

Jeff Greene