“So My own arm brought salvation to Me.”

Isaiah 63:1-6, WHO is this who comes from Edom, with garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, this One who is majestic in His apparel, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why is Your apparel red, and Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press? “I have trodden the wine trough alone, and from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger, and trampled them in My wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, and I stained all My raiment. For the day of vengeance was in My heart, and My year of redemption has come. And I looked, and there was no one to help, and I was astonished and there was no one to uphold; so My own arm brought salvation to Me; and My wrath upheld Me. And I trod down the peoples in My anger, and made them drunk in My wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”

The imagery is vivid; a warrior returns from complete victory, with his garments soaked in the blood of His enemies. Is there any doubt that we are in a war against evil forces? The stakes are high and the victims of evil are real. It is in His strength that we can prevail; “Vengeance is mine, says the Lord; I will repay.” We are to “leave room for the wrath of God.” Most people have no problem in damning God for allowing the existence of evil in the world; people talk about “acts of God” declared even for natural disasters such as fires, hurricanes and floods. Should we be surprised that He has appointed a day to completely vanquish His enemies?

We thank You that in Christ we become friends of God. We give thanks that You have appointed a day to vanquish all enemies of truth, love and righteousness! Give us the wisdom, discernment and strength to pray for our enemies and those who despitefully use us that some may come to their senses and be saved by Your great mercy!