The Banner of God
Greetings VBC family —
Despite all that's happening in the world right now, the elders and staff hope you’re abiding in God’s abundant grace. If there’s anything we can do to assist any of you in any way, please let us know.
We want to take a few moments to address some of the most pressing matters in the life of our church, community, and country. In addition to all of the trauma we’ve experienced in recent months as a global community due to the CoronaVirus pandemic, the tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota has ignited another traumatic set of events, reminding us once again that as a nation, we have deep wounds in need of healing.
Our Creator God designed all people in the same image — His image (Imago Dei). And He united us all in one race — the human race. We’re all born with various shades of skin, but He made no shade superior or inferior to another (Romans 2:11). God takes great delight in the variety of our sizes, shapes, colors, and backgrounds. This is why when we speak with a voice of solidarity, embracing both our unity and diversity in Christ, there’s great power. God longs to use the lives of those of us who’ve been redeemed by Jesus as His channels for peace, vessels for reconciliation, and distributors of love.
Jesus taught that as His disciples, others will be able to identify us by our love (John 13:35). It’s to be our calling card to the world. As others observe us living lives of worship and surrender to the Lord, it should be evident that we love Christ supremely and we love others as God loves us. This is why when others are treated unjustly, our souls should ache for justice, but more importantly, for them to receive redemption through Christ!
So does this mean we have the freedom to peacefully protest against the unjust treatment of others? Absolutely. Does this mean we express our views by engaging in violence or criminal activity? Absolutely not. In His teachings, Jesus outlined the boundaries we must operate within and made it clear how we were meant to treat one another — even those who mistreat us or others (Matthew 5:44).
Our ultimate objectives for the well being of others have eternal implications. When we stand for the oppressed or speak for the marginalized, our motives are to singularly reflect the glory of God in hope souls are brought to redemption in Christ.
We must also remember to pray for our leaders -- national, state, county, and city officials. We’re not called to pray for them because we like them or agree with their policies. We pray for them in obedience to God and for their salvation. Perhaps we even send them a letter or an email with a written prayer, following the instructions Paul gave to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2.
Clearly, not all leaders are godly and honorable. Throughout history and even up until today, some are driven by evil intentions. But it’s God’s ultimate purpose to even use evil leaders to bring others to salvation. Either the world will see Christ in our leaders and be drawn to Jesus through them, or the world will see evil leaders and be drawn to Christ through the witness of believers who “....do what the Lord requires ... to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
So we invite you to join us in praying regularly and earnestly for our leaders - for their salvation and for others to be brought to salvation through them.
A banner identifies and unifies people in some specific way. In the Old Testament, one of the names of God is Jehovah Nissi which means, “the Lord is our Banner” (Exodus 17:15-16). He’s the One in whom we unite as our Rescuer and Redeemer. In Him we find our true identities and purpose. Even though life on a fallen earth will never be completely free from all forms of injustice or tyranny, God upholds us with His banner of eternal hope and freedom in Christ. Now It’s up to us to lead the way, proclaiming His banner of reconciliation, salvation, and truth — always making room for others to join us.
“Even though life on a fallen earth will never be completely free from all forms of injustice or tyranny, God upholds us with His banner of eternal hope and freedom in Christ.”
“May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!” Psalm 20:5
— The VBC Elders