Our Messiah is a Mighty Warrior Who is Able to Save
We are nearing the end of our study through the book of Isaiah. For those who have read along with us – you are getting used to the ups and downs of this book but for those who are just stopping by – you might find this post uncomfortable. That’s because you don’t hear many sermons on passages like these.
Isaiah 63 is a hard passage of scripture to read because Isaiah had a prophetic vision of the Lord’s wrath being poured out on his enemies. This is not going to be pretty. Let’s take a look together.
Isaiah 63 starts with 2 questions.
Question #1
Who is this who comes from Edom,
in crimsoned garments from Bozrah,
he who is splendid in his apparel,
marching in the greatness of his strength?
(Isaiah 63:1)
Someone is coming.
And this someone is marching and he is marching with strength, in red splendid garments.
He comes from Edom meaning he has already judged Edom. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau – an enemy to Israel — and Bozrah was the capital of Edom. The word “bozrah” means “grape gathering” which is important to know because Isaiah will compare God’s wrath to being like a winepress.
Who is coming?
Answer #1
“It is I, speaking in righteousness,
mighty to save.”
(Isaiah 63:1)
Who is this mighty warrior that is marching in strength?
It is the Messiah!
He is not only mighty to judge but he is also mighty to save! This passage is not just about judgement – it is also a reminder to you and me that we have an amazing Savior! We have been saved from his wrath and he is not defeated – he comes in strength and power.
Question #2
Why is your apparel red,
and your garments like his who treads in the winepress?
(Isaiah 63:2)
Isaiah asks, why are the Messiah’s garments red like he’s been stomping on grapes in a winepress?
You see, in Revelation 14:19, the final judgement is compared to a great winepress. It says: “So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.“
And so he answers:
Answer #2
“I have trodden the winepress alone,
and from the peoples no one was with me;
I trod them in my anger
and trampled them in my wrath;
their lifeblood spattered on my garments,
and stained all my apparel.
4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart,
and my year of redemption had come.
(Isaiah 63:3-4)
So why are his garments red, like someone who has stomped in a winepress? Verse 3 tells us he has trampled his enemies in his wrath and their blood has stained his garments.
This is hard to read – I know. It’s hard to imagine Jesus in battle as a mighty warrior. But verse 4 tells us, the day of vengeance was in his heart and this day of vengeance coincides with the day of redemption for His people. You see judgement is only fair because of salvation.
When Jesus came the first time, he was born as a baby in a manger – he came to give his life as a sacrifice for our sins. His blood was shed so we could have forgiveness and eternal life.
But when he returns the second time – he will come in judgement. All those who have refused his salvation and rebelled against him — will face his wrath.
Pause — think about how much more precious our salvation is when we consider that we are saved FROM his wrath!
While it is difficult to look at the judgement of God, we must remember that there is a way out through salvation. And while vengeance is in his heart – redemption and grace are in his heart too!
2 Peter 3:9 tells us he is patient and merciful, not wanting any to perish and giving people plenty of time to repent.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9)
An important reminder is found in Isaiah 63:7.
I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord,
the praises of the Lord,
according to all that the Lord has granted us,
and the great goodness to the house of Israel
that he has granted them according to his compassion,
according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
(Isaiah 63:7)
God’s love is abundant and steadfast.
Isaiah recounts the Lord’s great mercy and steadfast love, even while they were in exile. They had rebelled against God and yet verse 9 says that he felt compassion and pity for his people.
God’s love for you is faithful, loyal, and sure. Never forget – his love is abundant and steadfast.
Friends, Isaiah 63 reminds us that a day is coming when God will pour out his wrath. If you do not know Jesus as your personal savior – repent and believe. And if you do know him as your Lord and Savior – rejoice and be glad because God has saved you from his wrath to come.
Revelation 19:11-16 tells us about the day when the Jesus returns —
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. 14 And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. 15 From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
(Revelation 19:11-16)
Our Messiah is a mighty warrior who is mighty to save!
He loves you so much! <3
Keep walking with the King of kings and Lord of lords,
Courtney
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