God With Us
"...and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us.'"
– Matthew 1:23
The wise men that came to seek Jesus were unbelieving Gentiles. Although they were not God-fearing men, the Lord’s Word revealed to them, through creation, that Jesus was Messiah. It was the star that pointed them to the right place, and it was their study of the Old Testament that enlightened them to the truth (Matthew 2:1-6).
The Bible says faith comes by hearing and that by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). We are told that God holds His Word above His name (Psalm 138:2). This being the case, how are we to view the Word of God? We, too, must hold it above all else.
This verse tells us the Messiah will be Immanuel, God with us. Some may ask, “but I thought the Savior’s name was Jesus?” Jesus did fulfill this prophecy because He is God with us. Immanuel describes for us who Jesus is, God incarnate. We build our lives on a sure foundation when we truly understand this. Our basic understanding of the Scriptures is reinforced. It is like going from a concrete slab that cracks under the slightest amount of pressure to a foundation of concrete that can withstand a nuclear blast. Reading and understanding the truths outlined for us strengthens our faith.
The good news is that Jesus Christ came to this earth, not as a full-grown man but as a babe in a manger. It was for a purpose, to pay the penalty for our sins. We are made right with God because of what Jesus has done on the cross. This salvation is for all those who call on the name of Jesus. Those who realize that they are sinners in need of a Savior. This is the greatest gift and most incredible message. It is the gift that has been given yet must be accepted. God’s Word has declared it, and I pray you have accepted Christ today as your Savior.
“Christians should be grateful to God for the gift of his written Word, and conscientious in basing their faith and life entirely and exclusively upon it. Otherwise, we cannot ever honor or please Him as He calls us to do.”
– J.I. Packer