Steven A. Bush - December 22, 2019
Jesus Our Immanuel
Isaiah 7:14 is a prophecy about the Messiah: "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (ESV) In Matthew 1:20-23 an angel tells Joseph about its fulfillment: "But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).'" (ESV) Let's be clear, God did not choose among the sons of Adam, a mere prophet to conduct your rescue. Nor did He choose among the sons of Adam a somewhat pious priest with a flock of blemish-free lambs to secure your redemption. And God did not choose among the sons of Adam a wise and fearless earthly king to subdue your enemies and establish His kingdom. He chose instead the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King--His Son, the Second Adam, Jesus Christ! Yes, He chose Jesus our Immanuel, who is indeed, God with us!