Enveloped by the Enormity of Emmanuel
Enveloped by the Enormity of Emmanuel
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23
’Tis the season to get your wrap on! Traditionally, this is the time of year when many of us will be wrapping presents and placing them under a Christmas tree. However, my heart this week is to encourage us to be enveloped or wrapped with the wonderful words of truth about Emmanuel—that is, GOD is with us!
Our opening text turns our attention to Prophet Isaiah’s prophecy.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
This passage points to the fact that Jesus’ birth fulfills Old Testament prophecy. Matthew turns the heavenly lights of truth on high-beam mode to a world in the dark, that Jesus is the promised Messiah expected centuries earlier.
Matthew also made a point of indicating that Emmanuel will enter the world through a virgin. Emmanuel’s miraculous conception emphasizes that Jesus our Lord’s origin is divine. He is not simply human but the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit. Look what Luke records as he reveals to a young virgin (Mary), arrested by astonishment.
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35
Now it’s essential to note that the name Emmanuel exposes the heart of the gospel: God is not detached but has come to dwell among His people. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, God walks into our world or enters our existence personally and intimately.
The Word of God (Holy Scriptures) records robust and replete examples where our Father God does not sit on the sidelines or separated but steps into human existence personally by an assortment of agencies: His presence, His Word, or finally in Christ.
I invite you to bring a heart of faith as we glean from our Good and Gracious God Garden, which is a supernatural resource that will never be exhausted. Remember, we will be picking from the profound truth that entered our existence personally and intimately.
In Exodus 3:7–8 we gather that God is near—that is, considerably close to His people’s crisis and their dire and desperate situation—and will act and advance deliverance and blessing.
Exodus 3:7–8a And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey;
I welcome you to join me next week as we continue to wrap ourselves in the truth that Emmanuel entered our existence.
Not a sermon, just some thoughts
FtGG