Immanuel - God with Us

Isaiah 7:14
The Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel.

Couples who are expecting a child usually give a great deal of consideration to the name they choose for that baby. Often it takes a long time for them to decide on one that is just right. When our children were born, I concluded that choosing the right name was one of the hardest things we had to do! After all, that name would be with the child for his whole life so we wanted it to be just right.

When Mary and Joseph were expecting the Lord Jesus, they didn’t have to worry about that. God had already selected the name for them and sent an angel to tell them that the babe should be called Immanuel. This was a fulfillment of the prophecy that was given hundreds of years before by Isaiah who wrote, “The Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin will conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Immanuel – It means “God with us.” Yes, the angel was telling Mary and Joseph that the child she would bear would be God Himself coming down to live among men. Scholars tell us that the when the Bible speaks of God dwelling among men it literally means “He pitched His tent” among us. That is, He came to live right where we do.

Throughout the New Testament, the Lord Jesus was given many names. He was called the Light of the World, the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, the Bread of Life, the Vine, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Bridegroom, the Son of God, the Son of the Highest, Messiah, Christ, the Savior, Jesus, the Promised One, Lily of the Valley, Rose of Sharon, the Bright and Morning Star. Each of these names reflects a different facet of His character and helps us understand who He really is. Of all the names that were given to Him, though, none brings more comfort to my heart than Immanuel—God with us.

No wonder the angels shouted, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”Immanuel--God with us--is something to shout about!

Father in Heaven, thank You for the comfort that comes from knowing You became flesh and blood and lived among us. Thank You for loving us enough to humble Yourself and identify with us so that You could assure us that You understand our trials and struggles. I rest in Your presence. I find comfort in knowing that You are here.

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2006

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Related articles and devotionals:
Under His Wings
Leaning On Jesus
The Battle is the Lord's

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