When Popeye would get ready to fight, he’d roll up his sleeve and wind up for the punch (only after eating a whole can of spinach, of course!). The Bible says that God rolled up His sleeve for us:
“God has rolled up his sleeves.
All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other,
sees him at work, doing his salvation work” (Isaiah 52:10 Message).
Now here’s something to think about: According to the Psalmist David, God only needed to use His fingers to set the sun, moon, and stars in their places (Psalm 8:3). Jesus mentioned that it only takes one of God’s fingers to cast out demons (see Luke 11:20). So, then, what happens when God uses His whole arm?
Maintaining the same imagery, how interesting it is that the Bible states that it takes God’s whole arm to save us! God had to “roll up His sleeve” and wind up His mighty arm in order to provide salvation for mankind. It was no easy thing to do! Such is the seriousness of man’s fallen, sinful state. The Prophet Isaiah asks: “To whom is the Arm of the Lord revealed?” (Isaiah 53:1) The wonderful answer? God’s Arm has been revealed to us! It’s Jesus Christ!! Our salvation cost God the crucifixion and death of His only beloved Son, Jesus! Isaiah goes on to reveal all that Christ would accomplish on the Cross for us (Isaiah 53:3-11).
Yes! God “rolled” up His sleeve and provided us with “So a Great Salvation” (Heb 2:3). This salvation is far more than just the forgiveness of sins. This salvation provides for the total deliverance, redemption, restoration, healing, and sanctification of sinners! Jesus is able to “save us to the uttermost” (Heb 7:25). Praise God for His mighty arm of salvation!
