Jesus has many names in Scripture -- throughout most of my life, my favorite has been "Immanuel"! It means "God with us" and what better way to think of our Savior -- He is with you, and me, and all of us! Not just sometimes -- but now and always! Everyday! All the time!
In Hebrew the letters "el" is "God" and the other letters are "with us." Plain and simple. No great interpretation and context challenges.
We first read it in Isaiah 7:14. The prophet Isaiah encourages King Ahaz to seek a special sign from God at a time of national crisis.
Ahaz has no interest in receiving a sign from God. So Isaiah says that God Himself will give the sign to Ahaz. It is recorded for us:
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel."
This was a promise to the kingdom of Judah, God's covenant people -- even with their wicked king and unfaithful people -- 'I will remember My promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Though things look dismal right now, you will have glorious future!
Seven hundred years later an angel appeared to Joseph and assured him that the baby Mary carried was from Holy Spirit, and would save his people. It's recorded for us in Matthew 2, and we are told it was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14..."And they will call Him Immanuel, which means, 'God with us!' What a great promise!
When I wait for medical test results, when I stand beside the casket of my husband or child, while I wait for pedestrians at the stop light, while I browse the internet, when my heart is breaking, when I can't figure out what to do, He is right here with me!
He reaches out His hand for me, you know, that nail-scarred hand, and grabs me!
My Immanuel forever!
No comments:
Post a Comment