Growing up as a boy with three younger brothers and living in the country away from urban life I was always on an adventure. Whether it was exploring the countryside, playing games, riding bikes, we did it together, that is most of the time. Our favorite thing to do was build forts for battling the enemies that only we could imagine. We liked pretending to be soldiers on a mission to save the world.
So, when going to church, I always liked the hymns that alluded to soldiers and battles, not sure why it just had an appeal. Even the lyrics of “We’ve a Story to Tell” captured my attention, “A song that shall conquer evil, and shatter the spear and sword.” (excerpt of lyrics by H. Ernest Nichol) I mean, who wouldn’t want to be on that mission, and it was even God’s mission. I didn’t really understand the lyrics at that time, but they were great to sing. One hymn in particular we sang made this young boy sing to the best of his ability. It was about marching and carrying a banner and it was a little easier to know what I was singing about too. Every army had a flag that indicated who they were and what side they fought for, even our home-built forts often had flags too! The hymn was a rallying song for going forward with the King.
“There’s a royal banner given for display
To the soldiers of the King;
As an ensign fair we lift it up today,
While as ransomed ones we sing.
Marching on, marching on,
For Christ count everything but loss!
And to crown Him King, toil and sing,
‘Neath the banner of the cross!”
– Lyrics: Daniel W. Whittle
Even now as I read the lyrics and the tune comes to mind; I sense a desire to march carrying the banner of the cross. The picture of war and soldiers is not accepted much anymore so hymns of exhortation like “The Banner of the Cross” are not sung as in days of past. It is a shame because as soldiers of the cross we are embroiled in spiritual warfare on an ongoing basis. This warfare is not futile for we are in the victorious army of King Jesus which encourages us to faithfully lift the banner of the cross seeking to share the Good news of Jesus all along the way. One day spiritual warfare will be done, and the victory will be completely won and as ensigns in His army we will reign with Him eternally. March on for Jesus!
“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in the concerns of civilian life;
he seeks to please the recruiter.”
2 Timothy 2:3-4