January 14, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Mighty to save." — Isaiah 63:1 · KJV

By the words "to save" we understand the whole of the great work of salvation, from the first holy desire onward to complete sanctification. The words are much in little — indeed, here is all mercy in a single word. Christ is not only "mighty to save" those who repent, but able to make men repent. He will carry to heaven those who believe; but He is, moreover, mighty to give men new hearts and to work faith in them. He is mighty to make the man who hates holiness love it, and to constrain the despiser of His name to bow the knee before Him. No, this is not all the meaning; for the divine power is equally seen in the after-work. The life of a believer is a series of miracles wrought by "the Mighty God." The bush burns, but is not consumed. He is mighty to keep His people holy after He has made them so, and to preserve them in His fear and love until He consummates their spiritual existence in heaven. Christ's might does not lie in making a believer and then leaving him to shift for himself; but He who begins the good work carries it on. He who imparts the first germ of life in the dead soul prolongs the divine existence, and strengthens it until it bursts every bond of sin, and the soul leaps from earth, perfected in glory. Believer, here is encouragement. Are you praying for some beloved one? Oh, give not up your prayers, for Christ is "mighty to save." You are powerless to reclaim the rebel, but your Lord is almighty; lay hold of that mighty arm, and rouse it to put forth its strength. Does your own case trouble you? Fear not, for His strength is sufficient for you. Whether to begin the work in others, or to carry it on in you, Jesus is "mighty to save"; and the best proof of it lies in the fact that He has saved you. What a thousand mercies, that you have not found Him mighty to destroy!