IMMANUEL–GOD WITH US
Isaiah gave King Ahaz of Judah this sign from God to show that within only a few years, the kingdoms of Israel and Syria would be gone. Yet, this prophetic sign had a double fulfillment. It’s present-day fulfillment was for Ahaz, but it’s future fulfillment was for the entire human race. For 700 years later the virgin did indeed give birth to Immanuel, which means “God with us.”
In the gospel of Matthew, he wrote that an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, informing him that his betrothed, Mary, was the virgin that would bear the long-awaited Immanuel. The angel explained that “that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” and actually quoted Isaiah 7:14 to Joseph to show that the unborn child would be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy (Matt. 1:20-23). He further instructed Joseph to name the child “Jesus, for He would save His people from their sins.”
The Old Testament contains over 300 Messianic prophecies that are all fulfilled in Jesus Christ. These prophecies were given to encourage God’s people, but also to prepare them to recognize Him and believe.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we have believed in Your Son, Jesus. He is who You say He is. He came just as You said He would. And we trust that He will return one day just as He promised. Until then, strengthen us by Your Spirit to proclaim His name to the nations. In Jesus’ name, amen.