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Why These Flags?
This bumper sticker was designed and distributed by M. J. Greene in the spring of 2002. She has been asked by some, "What does it mean?" Others need no explanation. Let us reconsider symbols of allegiance from the truthful, biblical perspective.
Since 9/11/01 the display of American flags and paraphernalia has risen to the highest level of patriotic expression in U.S. history. Lapel flag pins are now considered as important as wearing wedding rings, crosses or other religious symbols. Volumes and varieties of patriotic products are mass marketed, making a few wealthy over night. It is again fashionable and expected that all God fearing, loyal Americans wave, wear and otherwise witness for the red, white and blue, in order that we collectively express our resistance to any further attempts by the forces of evil to tread on our homeland or harm our citizens.
Sadly though, many Americans who consider themselves Christians fail to recognize the greater enemy and the only warfare that defeats him1. They miss the need to wave the three flags that together represent the only resistance that will bring victory. If we are going to stand up for the U. S. flag, the symbol fought and died for by countless brave soldiers, sailors, marines and pilots, we ought to stand even more for the symbols which reflect our eternal loyalties.
"Greater love hath no man, than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) The greatest demonstration of that love was Jesus Christ's laying down of His life for all mankind. Our strength as Americans lies in a humble acknowledgement of this truth, or it lies no where else.
Many I've spoken with have no problem displaying the U. S. flag along side the Christian flag. Both are standard fixtures, balancing each other as they stand or hang in churches across our land. But the Israeli flag is for many, even professed evangelical Christians, an uncomfortable reminder of our association with that nation. It seems that the Star of David is somehow out of place or lacking in the 'right' to be displayed as shown here.
My dear brother or sister in Christ, our first allegiance in this life is not to man or country or even family, but to our Maker. We are first citizens of heaven and only after that do we claim earthly citizenship. We are living in one of the most significant times in world history. All that the Bible teaches calls us to stand up for truth, complete truth, not truth that is simply politically correct or self serving.
If we are going to wave flags, let us wave the three that symbolize the current struggle in which we find ourselves. As Christians, our association with Israel is not primarily national or political or economic. It is religious. We enjoy the saving gospel of Christ which is Judeo-Christian through and through. We are bound by God to the law of love and liberty. We are to bless and not curse Israel. She is not a tiny nation standing in the way of world peace. She is center stage in the only story of true peace the world can know --the peace that will prevail only when her Messiah returns with the Church to rule and reign from Jerusalem. I encourage you to speak up for the truth of three flags which deserve our highest level of patriotic expression.
Many are at a crossroad opportunity in their faith. They are being challenged to acknowledge the truth of current world conditions. It is the Christian flag which bridges the U. S. and Israel together in harmony and strength against the forces of evil. It is our mutual faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob which validates our need to defend not only our homeland but stand with Israel as she defends hers. "A threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12b) When we look for our strength in this battle, let us find it in the truth of our eternal spiritual battle and calling, not merely in our walk as earthly citizens.
For bumper stickers contact M. J. Greene through the website of Paraclete Press Research Service,
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