Project Description

By Rev Ronald Johnstone

The flying of flags is an ancient tradition. When the Israelites left Egypt, they marched in rank behind the standard of their particular tribe. Psalm 20 called the people to set up their banners in celebration and commemoration of God’s deliverances.

THE PURPOSE OF FLAGS

A flag must be distinctive in design for it SIGNIFIES important beliefs and principles. It UNIFIES those who rally to it. Our flag indicates that we are part of a group who stand for the same beliefs. A Standard has often been carried into battle as it DEFIES the enemy. It declares that we will defend all that the flag symbolises.

THE PATTERN OF OUR UNION FLAG

Construction

It consists of three crosses: the Cross of St George (England), the Cross of St Andrew (Scotland) and the Cross of St Patrick (Ireland). It represents the whole nation. Our flag signifies the liberties that we enjoy as citizens of the United Kingdom – those civil and religious liberties freedoms which were won at the Battle of the Boyne.

Colours

It is always described as being red, white and blue. The Red is a symbol of blood and speaks of sacrifice. The White represents purity, righteousness and peace. The Blue symbolises blessing, prosperity and liberty. Freedom is not free. It costs to obtain and to maintain it.

When we see our Union Flag, we should reflect on the many who paid the supreme sacrifice so that we could enjoy freedom. Those Christians who say flags are unimportant are mistaken. Remember, the Apostle Paul was proud of his Roman citizenship.

When a true patriot sees the Union Flag fluttering in the breeze it gives a sense of pride. Our Union Flag should be flown proudly, respectfully, and thankfully. It should be treated with decorum and dignity.

There is another flag which we are to love and to which we must surrender.

THE PERSON CALLED A FLAG

Almighty God has revealed himself by the symbol of a flag. He is called the Lord our Banner -Exodus 17v15.

Isaiah prophesied that the coming Messiah would be an ensign lifted up, unto whom the people would gather- Isaiah 11v10. Christ, speaking of His coming death on Calvary, said “I, if I be lifted up from the earth will draw all men unto Me” John 12v32.

Christ is the banner lifted up at Calvary. There is a well-known story in the Old Testament that when the Israelites sinned in the wilderness, poisonous snakes began to bite them, and many died. The Lord told Moses to make a “fiery serpent” and put it on a pole – Numbers 25v8,9. The word pole is the same word as banner or flag. Whoever looked at that “banner” would live. Hundreds of years later in John 3, a religious man came to Jesus by night. He wanted to be sure that he had eternal life.

The Lord told him, you must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. Christ then said, “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life”. John 3v14, 15. The only way of salvation is by looking to the Banner of the Cross.

May the colours of our Union Flag remind us of the only Saviour –

He shared his precious blood – THE RED.

It is only through His sacrifice we can know forgiveness of sins and peace with God – THE WHITE.

Only by looking to Christ, the Ensign lifted up, can we receive liberty from the bondage of sin and the assurance of eternal life and heaven – THE BLUE.

The greatest Standard ever raised is the Blood Stained Banner of the Lord Jesus Christ. Men and women down the ages have rallied to the cause of Christ. Have you? You must have the Lord as your banner as you face the last great enemy of death. Only He can take the gloom out of the grave. The dread out of death. The terror out of the tomb.

On the great Judgment Day, your only hope will be to have Christ as your Saviour.

It is only under His Banner that pardon and peace with God is to be found.

I sought a flag to follow,

A cause for which to stand,

I sought a valiant leader

Who could my love command;

 

I sought for satisfaction,

For yearning deep within,

I sought for full deliverance

From chains of guilt and sin;

 

I sought for peace and pardon,

For freedom from my fears,

I sought a hope to cling to

Beyond these passing years.

 

I found them all in Jesus,

The Life, the Truth, the Way;

Beneath his flag I’ll take my stand

And follow him today.