May 14, 1999, Friday

How important is order in our nation's institutions today?

Is close supervision necessary when order is maintained?

What order of instruction is superior to all others?

Moses tells us that God had a specific order for His own

people. Each tribe had a place and order in the nation.

Each tribe had their own banner and standard over them-

"The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyone

by his own camp, everyone by his own standard, according

to their armies" (Num 1:52). The Church uses this example

of Israel. Each tribe at its post without complaint, but

with duty to occupy its place keeping in order. Many have

been critical of the Church and its known problems, but

the ability of the Church to have victory proves that its

inner workings are effective by God's standard.

Paul was an Apostle that used God's standard when starting

new Churches. He wrote to the Colossians to encourage them

to maintain the order of instruction he had given them-

"For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am

with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline

and the stability of your faith in Christ" (Col 2:5).

Just as order was important to the tribes of Israel to

maintain discipline outwardly, steadfastness expresses

the inner basis that the Church finds it strength from

a solid faith.

The early Church found its safety and security by being

open to instruction from the Holy Spirit. The order of

piety and holiness was followed by the Apostle's way--

"And they were continually devoting themselves to the

Apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of

bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). The evidence of their

faith and holiness was their diligent manner to pursue the

will of God. The Lord placed a banner over His Church!

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 ready to

accept our mental choice, our soul-life changes, and our

life's strengths and concentrations to love Him!