“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.” 
(Isaiah 63:9)

Who is the angel of God’s presence spoken of here in this verse quoted? It is none other than the same person who speaks in verse 1 of this same chapter; “I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” It is none other than our blessed God and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. This angel is not a created angel but rather the Mediator and messenger of the everlasting covenant of grace (Malachi 3:1).

Who else could it be said, “in all their affliction he was afflicted?” Indeed, Christ was afflicted for our transgression, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4)

Who else but the Lord Jesus Christ could it be said, “in his love and pity he redeemed them?” None but Christ! “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1st John 4:10). We are indeed redeemed with His precious blood (1st Peter 1:18; Hebrews 9:12).

The Lord Jesus Christ has always appeared before God as our Intercessor (Hebrews 7:25). He is the Surety and sacrifice of the everlasting gospel (Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 13:20). He is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). The very presence of the Lord Jesus Christ before the throne of God as our Representative, Substitute and Mediator is the guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 2:4-6: Romans 8:34).

The Lord Jesus Christ having accomplished our righteousness and redemption is now entered in and now occupies the throne of glory for us as our Forerunner; that, “we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6:19-20)

T. Harding