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WELCOME TO GOD FOCUS THIS MORNING

The title of today’s episode: A FLOCK, A STONE AND A BANNER

I came across a verse that I have read before, but today it seemed like it had a lot to say. This one verse I look at like it is a summary of God’s people.

Zechariah 9:16 And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

Let’s start by breaking it down in smaller pieces. “The Lord their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people.”

We are often referred to as sheep and Jesus our shepherd. There are many lessons we can learn from this comparison alone. I will try to summarize for time sake. Shepherds are people that watch over and care for their flock of sheep. They make sure they have a place to graze and find water. They anoint them with oil to keep away bugs and snakes. Just as God’s anointing drives away the serpent the devil.

Is 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. There is no one else that can save, heal and deliver us except our God and God alone. When the new lambs are born, the shepherd talks to them often so they can get used to his voice. They know by his voice that they are safe and he will take care of them. Just as Jesus takes care of us.

Philippians 4:19 – But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Just like God provides all we need to live.

Shepherds protect their sheep from predators even if they are putting themselves in danger of being hurt. Because they love their sheep they want to keep them safe.

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 – But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

Shepherds keep their sheep together, if one gets lost they go and look for the lost lamb. Just as it is often said about us, Jesus left the ninety and nine to find the one lost lamb. Each of us has been that lost lamb at some point in life.

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

The next part of the main verse says, “for they shall be as the stones of a crown,” We are the embellishment that make his crown to have meaning. If he didn’t have people to be king over the crown would not mean a whole lot. The crown is a symbol that Jesus is our king. Jewels are valuable, the more that a king has in his crown the richer the kingdom.

The third part of the main verse for tonight, “lifted up as an ensign upon his land.”

Many think of a military rank in the navy when they hear the word ensign. But it also means emblem or banner. It comes from the latin word insignia. We see in history when a people conquered a land they would plant their flag or banner. This was a sign to everyone, who was in control of that land. They always planted it on the highest ground possible, so everyone could see.

God is our banner. Ps 60:4 Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. A banner is a symbol that people can rally around. Just like our the stars and stripes of America. That banner identifies us as citizens of this great country. We come together under that banner from every walk of life and bind together as Americans against our enemies.

As Christians, we are a sign to the world that God has control of the world. We are like a banner to show the world that he is real. Just as banners or flags were always planted on high ground, we too are in a place that people will see God. When we let our light shine, it is unmistakable that we are the children of God. Matthew says a city on a hill cannot be hidden, because of the lights.

Think about how amazing God is to give us ways to think about our relationship to him. All the stories and parables in the word of God to help us understand God in a deeper way. And all of them are there to help us hear the voice of our shepherd.

Until next time,

BE BOLD, BE BRAVE AND KEEP YOUR GOD FOCUS

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