How do you feel about asking God to show you some sign so that you know he is present in your life? Would you be willing or would you be fearful about approaching God in this manner?
The message for this last Sunday of Advent draws us to Isaiah 7, where God comes to King Ahaz and wants him to ask for a sign. "Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." Is. 7:10-11 Next, we note that Ahaz doesn't want to bother God about a sign. Isaiah then steps in and says God is going to give you a sign anyway! "Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel." Is. 7:14
Our attention is drawn to the name of this child, which became attached to the Messiah. Matthew in his Gospel says that Jesus came in fulfillment of these very words of Isaiah. I would invite you to reflect on this name "Immanuel" as we approach Christmas. The name means "God with us." Isaiah wanted to assure the people of his day that God was with them. Likewise, we also need to hear this word that God is with us in the person of Jesus amid all the trials and tribulations that come our way.
You can read through the lesson, which is Isaiah 7:10-16 and reflect on what is going on between God, Ahaz, and Isaiah. May God's blessing be upon your reading, reflection, and preparation for Sunday.
The message for this last Sunday of Advent draws us to Isaiah 7, where God comes to King Ahaz and wants him to ask for a sign. "Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven." Is. 7:10-11 Next, we note that Ahaz doesn't want to bother God about a sign. Isaiah then steps in and says God is going to give you a sign anyway! "Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel." Is. 7:14
Our attention is drawn to the name of this child, which became attached to the Messiah. Matthew in his Gospel says that Jesus came in fulfillment of these very words of Isaiah. I would invite you to reflect on this name "Immanuel" as we approach Christmas. The name means "God with us." Isaiah wanted to assure the people of his day that God was with them. Likewise, we also need to hear this word that God is with us in the person of Jesus amid all the trials and tribulations that come our way.
You can read through the lesson, which is Isaiah 7:10-16 and reflect on what is going on between God, Ahaz, and Isaiah. May God's blessing be upon your reading, reflection, and preparation for Sunday.
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