December 7, “With us!”
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him “Immanuel,” which means, “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14 / Matthew 1:23
The intersection of faith and life reminds us of our desperate need for Immanuel – “God with us.” Have you recently experienced this intersection?
With major road intersections (like Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard that I travel through every morning) there exists a need to intentionally slow down and become cautious. And why? Because two major traffic flows cross, and much could go wrong if not very observant.
However, navigating through a busy intersection during a morning commute pales in comparison to navigating through challenges when faith and real life intersect. At this intersection, you realize that God is big, but life creeps in and causes a weight that seems just as big. But it is just not so. For we know that nothing equals God, or even comes close. So when life intersects your faith, slow down, become prayerfully observant, and do not become distracted from the correct direction your life of faith should travel.
When real life issues intersect with your faith, realize that God has your “now.” Whatever you are going through right now, God has it. The intersection of life and faith reminds us of this because we know that God is with us. He is here. We know that God is for us because He spared no cost to become God with us. He did not spare His only Son but gave Him willingly (Romans 8:32). As the Old Testament prophecy foretold (Isaiah 7:14), “He is Immanuel.”
This name Immanuel given to Jesus helps us to better understand God. The Bible mentions the name three times, and in all three instances the ultimate meaning is of God being with us – completely with us in every detail – through Jesus Christ. So, what do we learn about God through Immanuel?
We learn that God is personal (He came to us in human form);
We learn that God is passionate for us (He did not hold Himself back from us);
We learn that God is powerful (He overcame every obstacle to bring us to Himself through His perfect Son, Jesus Christ).
So, Immanuel – God with us, is the only perfect revelation of God. Immanuel. Jesus Christ our Lord.
God’s desire was to rescue man from the brokenness of sin: “Turn to me and be saved, for I am God, there is no other” (Isaiah 45:22). God desired that He would rescue us Himself (I Timothy 2:3-4). He also determined the perfect time, the fullness of time, to send us Jesus (Galatians 4:4-5). He came to us. He initiated our salvation. He stepped into our lives. He sent His only Son. God did this. He is with us.
So, the next time life’s challenges abruptly intersect with your faith and attempt to divert you, simply keep pursuing Jesus, for He is “God with you.” And, He will guide your every step. He has your future. He has your heart. And He has your “now,” whatever your present intersection looks like.
Immanuel! This is God with us. This is Christmas.
Be blessed.