451. ISA 55:4. CHRIST THE CAPTAIN OF SALVATION
Isa_55:4. Christ The Captain Of Salvation
"And commander to the people."’97Isa_55:4.
Sin commenced by the revolt of God’s creatures from their allegiance and obedience to him. Angels thus fell, and kept not their first estate. Thus too did man unite himself to the fallen spirits of darkness, by yielding to Satan’s temptation, and transgressing the laws of God. The honor of God, and the safety of holy beings, required that God should not allow sin to reign with impunity. He graciously compassionated the state of mankind, and by giving Christ, his beloved Son, as a sacrifice for guilt, has redeemed our fallen and helpless species unto himself. In carrying out this salvation, Jesus not only had to expire as the great sacrificial lamb, but to exert his almighty power, in destroying the works of the devil. In this great arduous work, Christ appears as a man of war. As the Bozrah conqueror’97as the captain of salvation. The phrase commander, in the text evidently signifies a general, one who leads on the army’97who goes forth at the head of his troops to conflict with an opposing foe; such is the character and work of Jesus, as the "commander to the people." Observe,
I. The Cause in which Christ is engaged.
It is,
1. The cause of holiness against sin.
Christ came to vanquish the powers of wickedness. He came to overthrow ignorance and error, crime and pollution, prejudice and unbelief. He came to put down rebellion, treason, and disloyalty towards God, and to establish truth, and righteousness, and love and peace, throughout the earth. He designs the moral restoration of man to the holy image and Spirit of God.
2. The cause of happiness against misery.
A sinful state is one of wretchedness and misery. Jesus came to remove the cause, that the effects of depravity and guilt might cease. He designs the blessedness and consolation of man, by his emancipation from the yoke and service of the devil. Jesus scatters every kind of blessing in his course. He confers freedom and rest,’97peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.
3. The cause of heaven against hell.
He is engaged to destroy the works of the devil. His kingdom is to overthrow it. Against his church the gates of hell are not to prevail. The power and authority of Satan and sin are to be overturned, and the reign of heaven to be established throughout the earth. All nations are to be blessed in him, and to call him blessed.
II. The Qualifications which, as Captain, Christ possesses.
1. Infinite knowledge and skill.
He knows every thing which concerns either his own troops or those of the enemy. His wisdom and skill embrace every subject, so that he cannot err, he never fails in his plans, nor is necessitated to alter his arrangements. He is never baffled, nor perplexed, nor confused. He discerns all things and knows all things, past, present, and future, as though they were directly before him. How surely then will all the guilt and craftiness of wicked men or their subtle leader Satan, be put to naught
2. Omnific energy and power.
His wisdom is associated with irresistible power. Power which can do every thing that is worthy of a holy and righteous being. In the days of his flesh he often manifested it in curing diseases, stilling the tempest, raising the dead, and expelling devils. The energy of Christ’s power is diffused everywhere, sustaining and preserving that which is good and conformable to his will, and in overwhelming his foes with confusion and dismay.
3. Undaunted courage and valor.
He displayed these during the whole of his suffering life. He never turned aside from his holy purposes, nor ever feared what men or devils could do against him. He feared not Jewish conspirators, nor the Roman soldiery. He feared not Pilate, nor Herod and his men of war. He feared not, and his courage never failed amid the pressure of thorns on his temples, the scourging of his back, the nailing of his hands and feet, or the piercing of his side. He did once indeed fear, but it was not the power of earth or hell; when he feared, it was when the cup of expiation was presented, and then he prayed, and was delivered from that fear, Heb_5:7. As commander, he was distinguished 4. For unbounded tenderness and love.
Towards his ransomed devoted troops, he displays the greatest and most ardent affection. He bears with their frailties. Never withdraws his compassionate regards. Amply provides for their comfort and well-being. Never forsakes nor leaves them to their own resources, but causes his lovingkindness to surround them continually. "A bruised reed," &c., Heb_4:14, Heb_4:15. Observe then,
III. The Spirit and Practice which his Soldiers should evince.
1. Affectionate confidence and trust.
Of this he is most worthy. This he requires. To feel this and to exercise it constantly, is both for the happiness and welfare of his troops. "Trust in the Lord Jehovah," &c.
A. firm relying persuasion of his skill, and power, and faithfulness, and love, will cheer and animate the Christian, amid all the struggles of the arduous warfare.
2. Devoted obedience and attention.
Christ must be the model, the object of the Christian soldier’s constant study and imitation. Jesus must bo followed. We must walk in his steps. Hear and obey his words. Imbibe his spirit. And walk even as he walked.
3. Unshaken and persevering activity.
The Christian’s life is one, not only of professed, but real active conflict and warfare. The soldiers of Christ, therefore, must fight and struggle, till every foe is vanquished, and every enemy destroyed. They must go forth with Christ from conquering to conquest. Fight the good fight, until they receive the crown of life.
Application
We notice,
1. The warfare of the Christian is one of certain victory and triumph.
2. Invite men to fight under the standard of Jesus.
3. The enemies of Christ shall be confounded and covered with everlasting shame.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS