“All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel
(which means ‘God is with us’). “ (Isaiah 7:14)
I love that the name Immanuel means “God is with us.” What a perfect name for Jesus. He came into the dark world he loved so much to be with us, to be one of us. Knowing Jesus is with us gives us hope for tomorrow and makes the world a little brighter.
It’s interesting to know the back story of this prophecy from Isaiah. Right before this, Isaiah had been speaking with King Ahaz. You may recall Ahaz was one of those wicked kings that did detestable things. (2 Kings 16) It was during his 16-year reign that Ahaz feared a takeover by Israel and it’s ally, Assyria. God’s message through Isaiah had been that no invasion would take place.
Ahaz, being an evil king, would not have trusted Isaiah’s word from God. But he didn’t want to test God either, so there must have been a bit of fear remaining in Ahaz’s heart. Since Ahaz didn’t take Isaiah up on his offer to “test God,” God sent the message of our text as a “sign.” What’s interesting to me is that God’s promise of Immanuel was a “sign” from God Ahaz would never live to see.
Prophecy doesn’t necessarily have a time stamp on it. In fact, we see plenty of examples in the Bible where the same prophecy can be fulfilled multiple times. For Immanuel to come and fulfill God’s plan of redemption as supreme ruler of his kingdom, the family line of Ahaz would have to continue. Judah’s punishment and downfall would happen many years later.
Enough of the history and context of this prophecy’s origin. The message of God’s “sign” is still relevant to us today. How did this speak to your heart today?
God’s own son, Immanuel, is with us. While Jesus lived on the earth only a short time, he now lives on in our hearts. Before he ascended to his throne, Jesus promised he would send his Spirit to be with us always. His own disciples were unsure how to understand this truth. But when the Spirit of God descended on them, they were rocked by the power and glory of God.
As Jesus’ followers, we have access to that same power and glory. Do we ever forget we are not alone? Immanuel means God is with us now, a minute ago, and for all time. Jesus made it possible for us to have a relationship with God that goes beyond our imagination. We can physically feel the Spirit and witness the Spirit working in our lives.
Spend some time today imagining Jesus sitting beside you. Some people like to move an empty chair close by. When times of doubt or worry start to creep in, picture yourself embraced by your Savior, Jesus. You are not alone. We never have to face life’s trials by ourselves. God is with us.
Let’s pray.
King Jesus, my Immanuel, rule in my heart today and always. Thank you that you are beside me at all times giving me exactly what I need. Forgive me when I doubt you or try to venture out on my own strength. Continue to empower me for the work you have for me to do. I look forward to the day when I will see you face to face. In the meantime, I’ll cherish each moment I can feel your Spirit alive inside me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
