As we engage in 2010 I should tell you that the last year or so has weighed really heavily on me regarding issues of leadership - worldwide. God has regularly impressed upon me that He has a ’standard’. This word burns in my spirit because I realise that so few seem to attain to it. So much rests on the integrity of leadership and many thousands of people worldwide are departing from the church because of leadership related issues.
Having said that though, we should remember that every Christian saint is responsible for their own walk, no matter who has failed them. Forgiveness and grace must be employed in order to stay on the path of life. However, God wants His standard in place, and leaders are meant to uphold it as an example and witness to His people.
Please read this little article I wrote recently and see if it resonates within you as truth. Please pray hard for God’s Standard Bearers to take, and hold, their place this year as the saints rally for mobilisation.
May God help us all,
Loving yours,
Lynne
A Standard-Bearer:
1) One who carries a standard or banner, especially of a military unit.
2) An outstanding leader or representative of a movement, organisation, or political party.
God Has a ‘Standard’ – This word means:
1) A distinctive regimental flag which serves as a RALLYING PRINCIPAL.
2) A measure to which others conform.
3) A degree of excellence required for particular purpose.
4) A thing recognised as the model for imitation.
Isaiah 59:19 – When the enemy shall come in, like a flood the SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall lift up a STANDARD against him!
In ancient armies their STANDARDS, usually imprinted with the image of their ruler, helped to keep their units together, since the soldiers could see them above the action. They represented a concrete symbol of that units’ values and achievements. They were also used in religious rituals designed to promote unity.If a standard-bearer fainted in battle (Is 10:18) it led to disorientation of the troops and disaster. To lose the STANDARD in battle was a terrible disgrace, and defeated leaders went to great lengths to recover their captured STANDARDS!
A STANDARD-BEARER denoted an office held and they were carefully chosen. Leaders in the true Apostolic Movement must be such officers who are able to demonstrate and maintain an upright position, holding their cause and representing God’s character in, to, and for their nations. No compromise.
If ‘righteousness exalteth a nation’ (Proverbs 14:34), then the STANDARD-BEARERS must arise and ‘LIFT UP A STANDARD FOR THE PEOPLE’ to rally to (Isaiah 62:10). The NATIONS are on God’s heart, eternal lives are at stake, and the battle is on! Courage!
Lynne Hamilton
