Matt 1.23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Beloved, the Name Emmanuel means “God with us”. Think on that for a moment. Let the truth of what that means go deep into your soul this morning. Jesus Christ is Emmanuel. He is The God Who is with you. Throughout Scripture, Emmanuel is found encouraging and comforting His children with those words, “I am with you”.
To the prophet Jeremiah, who would be rejected and despised by the very people whom God said to speak to, Emmanuel said, And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
To the nation of Israel who would be brought back to their native homeland after spending 70 years of Babylonian captivity, Emmanuel said, For I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.
To Joshua, who was called by God to succeed the beloved Moses in leading the children of Israel into the promised land, Emmanuel said, There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Again, to the people of God who were facing mountain like trials, Emmanuel said, The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah. The LORD of hosts [is] with us; the God of Jacob [is] our refuge. Selah. Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
To you dear ones who are feeling alone, despised, hurt, confused and ready to “throw in the towel”, Emmanuel would say to you, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. When Paul was near the end of his life and forsaken by everybody, Emmanuel said, Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me. Emmanuel is with you, beloved. In good times and bad, Emmanuel is with you. May His perfect peace and comfort strengthen you and comfort you today.
