What is a standard bearer?
A soldier who is responsible for carrying the distinctive flag of a unit, regiment or army; a leading figure in a cause or movement.
In ancient warfare it was sometimes difficult to distinguish enemies from one’s foes. The standard bearer became a most important position in the army.
The Standard bearer would lower, raise, wave or make some other motion with the Standard to indicate what the next move was for the troops or to change some tactic or formation. Vocal commands and bugle calls could not be heard on the noisy battlefields; soldiers were trained to follow the flag.
So important was the Standard to the armies of Rome that battles were fought for their return.
Imagine the chaos, the choking clouds of dust, the noise and smells of a battlefield. A man often got disoriented in the midst of battle. For a confused soldier, if he could identify the position of his regimental or army’s standard, he would then be able to get his bearings, understand the battle plan and continue fighting.
If the standard bearer was killed or the flag dropped, immediate chaos ensued until someone else picked the standard up and continued to hold it high.
Isaiah prophesies in chapter 11 verse 10 of the coming of Jesus Christ:
“In that day, he will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him… He will reach out his hand a second time to bring back the remnant of his people. He will raise a flag among the nations and assemble the exiles of Israel.”
Isaiah continues in chapter 62:10 “Go through the gates! Prepare the highway for my people to return. Smooth out the road; remove the boulders; raise a flag for all the nations to see! Because the salvation of the Lord is coming.”
Just as a standard bearer is imperative to an army, so is it with us. As believers, our standard is Truth – the Word of God.
For this I have been born and for this I have come into the world; to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.
John 18:37
As followers of Jesus, our standard must be lifted high. Truth has been dragged through the dirt, trampled upon and left lying still. In this, I am speaking of individuals. Yes, we are an army, we follow the standard of Jesus Christ collectively. But as an individual, am I holding that standard of truth high? Am I a standard bearer in my family? For my kids? In the work place, at the gym, through the halls of school and down the aisles of the grocery store am I a standard bearer of Truth?
In what areas of my life am I not living in truth?
The things we believe about ourselves and God, is it truth?
The stuff we assume and believe about other people, is it true?
What I read, listen to and watch, is it truth?
The words I speak to my kids every day, are they words of truth?
We are at war, people! The Standard of Truth must be lifted high!
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12
Truth will always prevail. Because God is eternal, unchanging and enduring, truth will prevail.
Let us be faithful, unwavering, courageous Standard-bearers. We wave a precious flag!