God With Us // Part 1

Parents the world over think long and hard when they name their children. God our Father did the same. Centuries before Jesus was born, God said through Isaiah, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14. The angelic messenger later came to that virgin, her name was Mary, and told her of this prophecy...His name would be Immanuel and what an amazing name/title that is. Except...Joseph named the baby ‘Jesus’. Were they disobedient? Did they just not like the name Immanuel? Was the name Immanuel a title or a name? Since the angel tells us the meaning of Immanuel-’God with us’-what is its significance for us today? Often people consider these 3 words from the perspective of how comforting they are for us in this dark and uncertain world. And that is true! Yet, have you ever considered them from a different perspective? A perspective that starts with God...that there is something in God Himself that desires greatly, that moves Him powerfully, to be with us? Might it rightly be said that it is the nature of God to be with His creation. That would explain how Moses could say to Israel, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of [your enemies], for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” Deuteronomy 31:6. There is a great comfort and confidence that comes into our hearts when we know that not only does God choose to never leave us nor forsake us , He cannot. It is His very nature! He is Immanuel!