Deliverer

In our study of the names of God, we have seen that Jesus is portrayed in many ways. Sometimes, the names are personal, characterizing the intimate relationship that Jesus has with those who follow him. Sometimes, the names express Christ’s work with a group of people. In today’s passage, Paul quotes from Isaiah 59:20-21 to describe Jesus’ second coming.

There was no shortage of “Messiahs” in the days of Jesus. In Acts 5, a prominent Jewish leader named Gamaliel noted two Jewish leaders whose large followings had “scattered” after the self-proclaimed “Messiahs” were killed.

Conflicts are hard. And they are extremely difficult when the issue is with your own children. That’s where King David found himself in today’s psalm. His son Absalom had gained a strong following and was intent on dethroning his dad. David and his household were forced to flee for their lives (2 Samuel 15-18).

Before Jesus comes again, the world will experience chaos like never before. The Bible describes this time as the great tribulation, and this will be the beginning of the end. Those living in that terrible time will need a Deliverer.

Jesus was not the Messiah the Jews were expecting. They lived under the oppression of Rome and longed for a political and military deliverer. The One who was born in a stable to a poor Jewish girl did not meet their expectations.

The prophet Isaiah did not hold back on God’s words of judgment. However, his message included the promise of impending peace. Someone was coming who would change the course of history. Twenty-two times, Isaiah promised that a Deliverer was on the way.

The new covenant came with a great price. God didn’t ignore sin or sweep it under the rug. He met sin head-on by sending his Son as our substitute to pay sin’s penalty (Isaiah 53:4-6). Jesus said that the new covenant would be instituted through the shedding of his blood on the cross (Matt. 26:27-28; Luke 22:20). In Jesus, there is forgiveness. He is our great Hope!

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? When he returns, will you know him as your Deliverer?

Paul says that our struggles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.