“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”--which means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
The names of God are many: Jehovah-Jireh, the Lion of Judah, the Bright and Morning Star, The Great I Am, Alpha and Omega. Each describes an attribute of His character, His heart, His personhood. All point to His divinity. But the one which means most to me right now is His name Immanuel; the name that points to His plan for man. I simply cannot wrap my mind around it; the very idea that God was with us.
This Christmas I’ve given thought to that name. The birth of Jesus set the plan of salvation in motion. The very name of Jesus means that Jehovah, the Lord, is salvation. His coming was the will of the Father that was centuries in the making. The prophets had foretold, and the people were waiting.
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
Imagine what it must have been like to literally, physically be in the presence of God. From the Bible it appears as if few knew that He was God in flesh, and those who did, didn’t really understand or comprehend. Even those closest to Him, his disciples, seemed unable to fully grasp the concept. What an amazing time it must have been. And yet, it never really came to an end. That's because He left us with the Holy Spirit.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. John 14:26 (NIV)
I love the last part. He will remind you. Jesus knew that humans have short-term memory. We are forgetful. The Father knew long before sending His son to Earth that there would have to be a plan in place that lasted far beyond the resurrection. So, as Jesus returned to the Father’s right hand, the Holy Spirit came. We are not alone! God is still with us. The thing is, we now know. He has revealed Himself to us. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. So what will we do with that truth?
Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22 (NIV)
How often we forget that we are being sent. And yet, the Holy Spirit is in us to remind us. What an incredible gift! How different we would live if we were constantly conscious of the fact that God is with us. So, my challenge to you is this: remember that you are being sent and that God is with you.
