“O God, You have rejected us. You have broken us; You have been angry; O, restore us. You have made the land quake, You have split it open; Heal its breaches, for it totters. You have made Your people experience hardship; You have given us wine to drink that makes us stagger. You have given a banner to those who fear You, That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and answer us!” Psalm 60:1-5 (NAU)
Defeat is hard to accept. Israel is engaged in a war with Edom (2 Chron. 8:13) and the battle is not in their favor. David, the King, goes before God and cries out in repentance and hope. He recognizes God’s displeasure as the basis for Israel’s situation. You have rejected us but we need your love and acceptance. He recognizes that the prevailing panic and fear results because God has withdrawn his hand. We are quaking but we need your healing. He recognizes the severity of the circumstances. Divine discipline is a bitter cup. You have dealt severely with us but we need your mercy. He recognizes the only path to divine favor and victory. You have given us the banner of truth into which we may escape.
The Psalmist knew the solution. God’s banner of truth has a two-fold purpose. (1) To be displayed in godly reverence (v.4), and to provide deliverance to his beloved (v.5). Truth is not just a banner to be arrogantly waved in other people’s faces. Rather, truth is displayed by practice and lifestyle. Those who fear the Lord acknowledge the truth of their faults and sin in repentance. Not only do they humbly repent, they also ask for mercy and deliverance. O turn again, heal our destroyed places, and deliver your beloved.
Truth is the banner under which they are able to escape from the wrath of God. Truth: God is displeased with the wicked. Truth: No sin will enter heaven. Truth: We are fallen creatures. Truth: God provided his Son as a sacrifice for sin. Truth: Whosoever believes in him (1) shall not perish, but (2) shall have eternal life!
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Forgive us our faults and failures. Forgive us our sin. Turn again and smile upon us with your delivering grace. Enable us to live by the banner of truth. Empower us to know the truth and be free. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Let us praise God for his banner of truth and live under it continually,
Pastor Smith