Immanuel

Isaiah 7:14 “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’).”

“God with us,” is exquisite delight! “GOD with us”—all that “GOD,” means the Deity, the Infinite

Jehovah with us! This, this is worthy of the burst of midnight song when angels startled the shepherds with their carols, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men.” This was worthy of the foresight of seers and Prophets, worthy of a new star in the heavens, worthy of the care which Inspiration has manifested to preserve the record. This, too, was worthy of the martyr deaths of Apostles and confessors who counted not their lives dear unto them for the sake of the Incarnate God!

 

He who was born at Bethlehem is God, and “God with us.” God—there lies the Majesty! “God with us”—there lies the Mercy. God— there is Glory! “God with us”—there is Grace! God alone might well strike us with terror, but “God with us,” inspires us with hope and confidence!

 

Taken from:http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols19-21/chs1270.pdf

 

What does “God with us” mean for us today?

 

First, it means God in close relationship with us.  John 1:14 (KJV) “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”  Jesus took on the very nature of humanity.  He lived and struggled like we do.  Hebrews 2:18“Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”

 Next, it means God cleansing us daily.  When we came to Christ and repented, he forgave and became Lord of our lives.  Since the moment of salvation, he is daily cleansing us from sin and ungodliness.  1 John 1:9 “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”  Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.”

Finally, it means God in constant communication with and direct access between us. Matthew 27:50-51 “Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”  Ephesians 2:18 “Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.” 

As we think about what Immanuel – “God with us” means to us today, we can take joy and find comfort in the knowledge that our God chose to come close and share our existence.  He wants to be intimately involved in every area of our life. 

 He wants us to take all our cares/worries to him for he cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 

 He wants to carry our burdens with us. Matthew 11:28-30 “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.’” 

 He wants to supply all our needs. Philippians 4:19 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

 As we head into this Christmas Season let us remember, Isaiah 9:6 “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Immanuel, God with us!!!!