Enveloped by the Enormity of Emmanuel – Part 2

Enveloped by the Enormity of Emmanuel – Part 2

“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

As you recall from our last time together, I revealed that the Word of God records robust and replete examples where our Father God is not a stoic spectator sitting on the sidelines. He sovereignly steps into our existence personally by an assortment of agencies: His presence, His Word, and finally in Christ.

Once again, let’s lock our heads and hearts together and tie them with truth regarding our infinite God’s intervention and investment in the lives of His people.

  • Exodus 3:7–8 – God tells Moses, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people… and I have come down to deliver them.” Our Father God faithfully enters Israel’s suffering and proceeds to liberate them from Egypt.

  • Exodus 25:8 – “Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” Through the tabernacle, God dwells among His people in a tangible way.

  • Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” God is always near. His presence is personal, and He is completely committed to comforting us in the dire, desperate, and darkest times of our lives.

The prophets also pointed the people of God to His promise of presence and His entering into our existence:

  • Isaiah 7:14 – “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

  • Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”

The Gospels guide us to the truth that God is with us in Christ, and Jesus is the definitive fulfillment of God literally entering human life:

  • Matthew 1:23 – “They shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).”

  • John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”

Being enveloped in the enormity of Emmanuel rests in what it reveals about God’s nature and His relationship with His people, the unbelieving world, and creation. Emmanuel conveys foundational Christian truths:

  • Christ’s Incarnation: Emmanuel indicates that God Himself took on human flesh in Jesus Christ. Our Father God is infinite, yet He entered our finite existence.

  • Christ our Deliverer and Divine Nearness: It assures His children that God is not distant or isolated but present in their lives.

  • Christ the Fulfillment of Covenant: Emmanuel embodies God’s promise throughout Scripture to dwell with His people.

In closing, because of the season, many of us will be wrapped in more clothing (winter), and many will be wrapping presents to place under a tree. But above all, let us wrap ourselves in the ENORMITY OF EMMANUEL.

O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.

Not a sermon—just some thoughts.
FtGG

Philip King