Call Him Immanuel
Date: Dec 1, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): "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 (NIV)
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Dear God, as I reflect on this verse, I pray that You reveal the depth of its meaning to me. Help me listen to Your voice in the ordinary moments of my life, just as You made Your presence known through the birth of Your Son, Jesus.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The prophet Isaiah wrote this verse during a time of political turmoil in ancient Judah. He was delivering a message from God to King Ahaz, assuring him of God's protection. The birth of a child named Immanuel, meaning "God with us," was a sign of God's presence and faithfulness to His people. This verse foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the prophecy by being born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of "Emmanuel," signifying that God is with us in our humanity. This verse reminds us that even in uncertain times, God's presence is our greatest comfort.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases: Key Words or Phrases:
Immanuel: "God with us," signifying God's presence.
Virgin: The miraculous nature of Jesus' birth.
Sign: A divine assurance of God's faithfulness.
S - Summarize and Share:
Embracing Emmanuel, the concept that God is with us, is so powerful. That’s why I picked this theme for December. It's a reminder that in the midst of life's complexities and challenges, there's a divine presence that is with us through it all. I've often found myself reflecting on this verse, especially during moments when I felt lost or alone.
This prophecy by Isaiah, delivered to King Ahaz, was like a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty. It foretold the miraculous birth of Jesus, our Immanuel, centuries before it occurred. The fulfillment of this prophecy in the New Testament is a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness.
Embracing Emmanuel isn't just a seasonal sentiment; it's a daily truth. In my life, I've experienced God's presence in simple, ordinary moments. It's in the laughter shared with loved ones, the beauty of a sunrise, and the gentle whisper of His guidance during moments of decision. The birth of Jesus, the ultimate Immanuel, is a reminder that God chose to enter our world, to be with us, and to understand our human experience intimately.
So, as we explore this theme of Embracing Emmanuel, let's not only think of it as a historical event but as a living reality in our lives. Immanuel, "God with us," assures us that we are never alone in our journey. God's presence is our constant companion, offering comfort, peace, and hope.
In the ordinary moments of life, let's practice awareness of His presence. May we find joy in knowing that, just as God was faithful to His promise in Isaiah's time, He remains faithful today. As we embrace Emmanuel, let's share this profound truth with others, helping them discover the hope and comfort that come from recognizing God's presence in their lives.
4 Bible Cross References:
Matthew 1:23 (NIV): "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means 'God with us')."
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
John 1:14 (NIV): "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Matthew 28:20 (NIV): "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."