October 26

An Ensign of the people. — Isaiah xi. 1.

An ensign is a standard or flag which is hoisted as the rallying point of an army. By the entrance of sin into our world, man became not only an alien, but an enemy to God, and in league with the prince of darkness. Now for this was the Son of God manifested, that he might gather the rebellious outcasts to his banner, so that they might be the consecrated army of the Lord of hosts. Now Jesus as an ensign was lifted up on the cross, expressly, that he might draw all men unto him. Thus, as the brazen serpent was placed in the midst of the camp, that the dying in every direction might have an equal opportunity of beholding it, and being healed, so Jesus was elevated on Calvary as the sin- atoning victim for a guilty world, that whosoever should believe in him might not perish, but have everlasting life. To this ensign the rebel soldiery are invited, with a full promise of pardon, if their arms of rebellion are thrown down, and if they believingly consecrate themselves to the service of the cross. O yes! many like the infuriated Saul of Tarsus, have cast themselves down here and sued for pardon, and have freely obtained the remission of all their sins, and have become the valiant soldiers of the army of the living God. Jesus is also the ensign, as he is the centre of union to his followers. His disciples possess diversities of gifts, and variety of opinions on the lesser points of faith; and too often have they manifested a want of oneness of spirit and unity of operation, but Jesus is the centre where they all meet. However they may differ from each other, and however divided they may appear in their respective sections, yet are they all one in Christ Jesus. Here they have one common salvation, one blessed lord—possess the same holy spirit, have to wage war against the same common enemies—to wield the same weapons, and finally, to participate of the same glorious reward. Jesus as ensign, is now exalted to the right hand of the majesty on high, and there he receives unto himself, all who die in the faith, in every part of our world, and to his blessed presence and glory, he will conduct all his victorious troops, that as he overcame and sat down on his Father's throne, so they might also sit down with him on his throne.