February 8, 1999, Monday

Is there a leader that can be a standard to the world that

will rule correctly without error? Where will that country

be with a righteous leader and ruler? What will be the main

purpose of this leader when He returns?

Isaiah could foresee a day when a righteous leader would

rule, not with error or wrong motive, but with example-

"And in that day there will be a Root of Jesse, Who will

stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles

will seek Him, And His resting place will be glorious"

(Isa 11:10). That example of leadership will be a throne

that brings hope to all that look to it.

Isaiah prophesied that the people of Israel would come

together as a nation, and it would be established--

"Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and set

up My banner to the peoples; and they will bring their sons

in their bosom, and their daughters shall be carried upon

the shoulder" (Isa 49:22). The nation Israel today is the

proof that God has a plan to work through His people.

The Writer to the Hebrews tells us that when the Messiah

returns, His purpose will be to save those expecting Him-

"Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God;

  In the same manner Christ also was offered up in sacrifice

once to take away the sins of many. He will appear again

the second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those

who are waiting for Him" (Heb 9:27). Just as a man must

die only once physically, Christ only had to die once to

complete His perfect sacrifice. When He returns for those

that wait expectantly for Him, it will not be for making

a sacrifice, but to rescue us!

Let us remember who is the God that is our Banner. God's

Name is Jehová Nissi. He is the God whose Banner over

us is His love. He raises up His Standard of Righteousness

for us when the enemy comes in like a flood. He makes

that Standard of Righteousness a higher calling in your life.

Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today for the fact

that He is the God who is our Banner and is making

ready the day that He will come to gather the Elect!