In ancient times, most people wore loose fitting clothes. Even soldiers wore loose fitting shirts. The looseness allowed the individual to do many things without the arm being cramped. However, when it was time for the heat of battle, the soldier would roll his sleeve up and tuck it over his shoulder. This would completely free his arm so that he could swing his sword in any direction. When a normal worker was getting into very serious hard labor, he would also tuck his sleeve over his shoulder. When a person was seen with his arm bare, it was a sign that something serious was happening.
In Isaiah 52:10 we read, “The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” This chapter is full of prophecies about Christ. This verse is also about Christ. Christ is pictured as God’s bare arm. In Isaiah 51:9-11, the arm is described as the one who made the sea a dry ground for the Israelites to cross over.
When Christ came to earth, He did not preach and teach in secret. He did not do his miracles in secret. He did these things in the open so that all could hear and see. He allowed himself to be crucified in full view of the world. Then, He sent the Holy Spirit for the Christians during the first century so that they could do miracles. These miracles were to verify that they were indeed preaching the Word of God, the New Covenant through Christ.
Christ’s mission was a serious one. He taught about the coming kingdom. He taught of salvation. He worked very hard during his preaching ministry. In fact, He seldom got sleep. He is now the Prince of Peace leading his troops in a spiritual battle. In all ways, He is the Bare Holy Arm of God.
We are to follow Christ. He is our example. We should figuratively tuck our shirtsleeves over our shoulders. We should work hard for our Heavenly Father. We should be in the middle of the spiritual battle.
Study your Bible. Learn all you can. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
