Our picture of Christmastime has affected some of the terms, titles and themes that belong to Jesus. When Matthew ascribes to the newborn the prophecy of “Immanuel” he does so from a unique historical context that might help us in our worship of the incarnated Christ.
Observations & Conclusions:
- God keeps His promises
- God can save you from anything!
- The thing you need to be saved from the most is your sin
- Our duty is to believe by faith what God has said, and surrender over our messed up worlds to Jesus’ rule, repair, and resurrection
Application:
- Where do you need God with you the most right now?
- Write down an area of your life that you will submit over to Jesus’ rule…
Isaiah 8:6-8
“Because this people has rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah and rejoices over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, therefore the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates— the king of Assyria with all his pomp. It will overflow all its channels, run over all its banks and sweep on into Judah, swirling over it, passing through it and reaching up to the neck. Its outspread wings will cover the breadth of your land, Immanuel!”
Isaiah 8:9-10
“Raise the war cry, you nations, and be shattered! Listen, all you distant lands. Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.”