#1199. The sign of Emmanuel (9/12/24)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series, Emmanuel, where we are reflecting on the promises regarding God coming to us in Jesus.

Today, from Isaiah 7:14, we reflect on the promise of Emmanuel, and what this ‘sign’ points to.

Isaiah 7:14

To watch this devotional, select the link below

https://youtu.be/hp97ZFVxIBI

‘“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”’ (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14‬)

1. Emmanuel is a sign for the past and present

The title of Jesus as Emmanuel, derives from the prophecy of Isaiah. Here, in the text we’ve read today, it speaks of The Lord giving ‘you a sign’.

This ‘sign’, as with much prophecy, had a present and future aspect; it had specific application for Isaiah’s day, whilst also, and principally, speaking of Jesus’ coming - it has a double-fulfilment.

Firstly, this sign was partially fulfilled when, as shown in the next chapter, we read of the birth of a child whom they name, ‘Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.’ - which means ‘quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil’. This child was a ‘sign’ of God’s judgement due to the unfaithfulness of God’s people. In that context, Emmanuel, meant God being ‘with us’ to judge and discipline.

Secondly, this sign is, principally, looking to the coming of Jesus - the only one who has been born of the virgin. This is whey we read in Matthew:

‘All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).’ (Matthew 1:23)

Matthew 1:23

Jesus’ coming is a ‘sign’ to us. His coming is a sign that ‘God is with us’. For Isaiah, this was sign of judgement, for us ‘Emmanuel’ is a sign in a number of ways and here are three:

1. Emmanuel is a sign that God has not given up on this world

Jesus coming, is a sign that ‘God is with us’ in the sense that He’s not given up on this fallen world. We deserve judgement but God’s coming is a sign that He’s offering mercy and salvation in Jesus.

2. Emmanuel is a sign that God wants people to come to know Him

Jesus’ coming is a sign that God wants people to return to Him. Jesus’ name, ministry and commission, teach us that we can be confident that God wants to restore many.

3. Emmanuel is a sign that God is with His people and wants to lead them

Finally, Emmanuel - Jesus coming to us - is a sign that He’s with His people - His church. He’s among us. He wants to lead and to help us. However dark your circumstances or feelings, Jesus’ coming is a sign to you that God is with you and wants to help you.

Let’s pray together

“Lord Jesus, you are Emmanuel, you are God with us and with me. I am deserving of judgment, but you have come as a sign of love and grace. Help me to see the sign of what your coming means in a fresh way over this Christmas season. Amen.”