Immanuel, God with us
God is with us, among us, in us, and FOR us.
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23
Isaiah prophesied about Jesus that he would be called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). Later, in the book of Matthew, we read that Immanuel means “God with us.”
Jesus was God in the flesh, a physical representation of the Almighty. He walked on earth; he laughed, cried, and prayed just like all of us. He touched and healed and preached a radical message of love, stooping into human form to be sacrificed on our behalf. He not only became man, but He became sin so that we would be the beneficiaries of God’s love and grace. Through Jesus, God was among us.
When Jesus had ascended, He sent His Spirit to dwell within us. Holy Spirit is our friend, our guide, and our counselor. He leads us into truth, reminding us of who we are and who Jesus is. He counsels us when we are confused and gives peace when we are afraid. By the Holy Spirit, God is within us.
The Father’s plan has always been for us to be in constant communion with Him. He sent His Son to remove sin, and He sent His Spirit to be our guide. He gave us His Word, and He gives us strength to persevere each day. All of these, His constant outpouring, are daily proof that God is with us. He is on our side. He is for us!
Think about Immanuel today: Jesus among us, Holy Spirit within us, and Father God for us.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that You are Immanuel, God with me. Thank you, Jesus, for becoming man so that I could be reconciled to God. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for Your constant friendship and for guiding me into all truth. Thank you, Father, that You are for me. I am thankful that my God is Immanuel.
