Salvation - Isaiah 63

v9 "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: In his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old."

The chapter talks of the fury of the Lord over the sin of his people then of the salvation he brought to them, not because they were good but because he loved them.

v3 "I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury, and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments; and I will stain all my raiment."

Here we are made aware of the tremendous capability of an angry God. It is said in scripture that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:31

Psalm 7:11 "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day."

Humankind faces judgment for sin. It seems there is no way out. The good part is that along with judgment, there is grace right now. People can find that grace by seeking the Lord. There will be a day when the time of grace is over and the world will be judged for wickedness.

v8 "For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie; so he was their Savior."

Have you ever been disappointed in someone? It is bad when a stranger or someone at work disappoints you. When it comes to family, those who say the love you, those you have given your life to protect, when they lie to you and do those things that break your heart, it is almost to much to bear. So did Israel to the Lord and so do we Christians at times.

v10 "But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit; therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them."

You love that child who has been disobedient, perhaps a spanking is in the works. Then, they cry those tears and you take them in your arms.

v11 "Then he remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his holy Spirit within him?"

A desperate prayer, everyone has forgotten us but surely Lord you remember.

v16 "doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not; thou, O LORD, art our Father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting."

They are seeking God in their distress. Sometimes it takes extreme measures to turn people back to God. Seeking the Lord is the first step toward salvation. We will only seek him when we are able to see that we are sinful and need his salvation.