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His Banner

 Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love. (Song of Solomon 2:4)

          Looking up the use of “banner” in Biblical times, one source describes it as “In the Bible, the term "banner" symbolizes identity, unity, and divine protection. It represents a standard or ensign raised high for all to see, serving as a rallying point for God's people. The Hebrew word for banner, "נֵס" (nes), signifies not just a physical object but also a spiritual concept deeply rooted in the identity and protection offered by God.” (Bibledictionarytoday.com )

          Armies rallied around and marched under a banner that told everyone who they were. Citizens welcomed the victorious with banners much as fans welcome the victorious do today, with banners, flags, and cheering. Their banners make it clear to everyone that they’re with the team.

          My problem with banners – or bumper stickers, or anything else that announces my connection with others is my expectation that I will be a disappointment to the others. There was an ad at one point in which a guy stands in the center of a plaza area, throws his arms out to the side and shouts, “I love you! I love you!” That’s waving a banner. The woman steps in closer and whispers, “I love you. I love you.” That’s me if I’m being bold. I can challenge people (sometimes) without a problem, but being emotionally vulnerable? That’s hard, especially face-to-face.

          But if “His banner over me is love,” then God is doing the “guy role.” Yes, I know He spread His arms wide, and I know that dying on the cross was His shout of “I love you.” I get that. I’ll even tell people that about them. Not about me except, perhaps, with me as just one of the flock, herd, mob, or the dehumanized entity called a collective.

          None of us does a good job of loving, and I think that’s one of my problems with this verse, and why I need to quote it a lot and aloud. I’m embarrassed because I’m not good enough. I’m not worthy. I can’t match Him (or you, or that other Christian) in loving Him or anyone else. But that doesn’t matter in this verse. That doesn’t change His banner.

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