Isaiah 63

This chapter of Isaiah begins with a question and an answer from God Himself: “Who is this Who comes from Edom, with crimson-stained garments from Bozrah? This One Who is glorious in His apparel, striding triumphantly in the greatness of His might? It is I, Who speaks in righteousness, mighty to save!” (vs 1)

Right off the bat, this struck me—both the way the question was phrased and, especially, the way the answer was given! First, the question. Whoever is asking the question notices two things about God: His glorious appearance and His physical power. These are the things that impress the questioner.

It was very interesting to me, then, that God’s own response ignores those attributes altogether in favor of two other things: His righteousness and His ability to save. In other words, God identifies Himself by what He says and what He does. He doesn’t want us to get bedazzled by His glory or awestruck by His power. He appeals to us on the basis of His character—that He says what is right and does what is good.

God is legit. He’s not all talk and no action. He’s not full of empty promises. He’s got the goods to back up what He says. When He speaks, it is the truth, and when He acts, it is miraculous. He says what He does, and He does what He says.

This all-powerful God could easily force us into submission. He could demand that we bow down to Him simply because He is on the throne of the universe… and we are not. Instead, He opens wide His arms and says, Come, get to know Me. See for yourself what I’m all about. Watch what I do; listen to what I say. Then judge for yourself. Make up your own mind about Me.

God wants to be known, loved, and admired for His character, not His position. So, watch Him work and decide for yourself if He’s genuine. It won’t take long to discover that He’s totally legit.