Advent Devotional Guide: Jesus Is!

Jesus Is!

Advent Devotional Guide
Saturday, December 16, 2023

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Do you remember the story of the Israelites and their journey to the promised land? They had been captives in Egypt for generations. They begged God to deliver them — so He did. 

But when they got hemmed in between the pursuing Egyptian army and the impassable river, they cried out to God, saying, “Did you deliver us from slavery just so that we would perish by the sword at the river’s edge? We’d be better off in Egypt!” God parted the waters, they crossed on dry ground, and the Egyptian Army drowned as they pursued them.

Then when they were wandering in the desert they cried out, saying, “Did you deliver us from slavery just so that we would be stuck in the wilderness forever? We’d be better off back in Egypt!” God provided guidance in the form of a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day.

Then when food and water were scarce, they cried out, “Did you rescue us from slavery just so we would starve and die of thirst in the desert? We’d be better off back in Egypt!” God provided manna from heaven every morning and gave them water from a rock.

And when Moses went up on the mountain to talk to God, the people got antsy because he was gone for so long. They totally turned their backs on God and fashioned a golden idol to worship, forgetting all that God had done for them. 

(I used to be super critical of the Israelites because they had such short memories and just didn’t learn. God reminded me, though, that I am absolutely no different than they were. Now I am a little more benevolent toward them.)

Today’s verse appears after the Israelites won a battle against the Amalekites. It seems that Moses sent Joshua and a relatively small number of guys down to fight these aggressors. Moses, Aaron and Hur went up on a mountain to watch the battle and Moses lifted God’s staff over the battleground. As long as Moses kept his standard (or banner) held high, the Israelites prevailed. But if he lowered the staff, the Amalekites got the advantage. Aaron and Hur seated Moses on a rock and held his hands up for him because he was so fatigued. As a result, Joshua’s little band defeated the Amalekite army. 

Moses built an altar there and named it Yahweh-Nissi (which means “the Lord is my banner”). ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭17‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

As we navigate through life, we face many battles. Yet we are never alone. God raises His banner or standard above our battlefields and keeps the evil one in check. We need to trust him to protect and guide us. And He will.

Lord,  Thank you for being our banner — our staff — our victor. Without you we could not stand firm in our battles. And we thank you for the work you will do for us today.