“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord
said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with
child and will give birth to a son, and they will
call his name Immanuel which means, God with us.”
Matthew 1:2223(NIV)
The prophet Isaiah predicted it. Matthew tells us the circumstance of Mary, a virgin being with child is fulfillment of prophecy. An angel tells Joseph not to end their engagement.
What does it mean, “God with us”? Matthew Henry’s commentary give us some phrases to help us understand.
1. God in our nature God became human ,with all the frailties, weaknesses, and emotions.
2. God at peace with usGod forgave our Old testament forebears for not taking Him seriously.
3. God in covenant with us.Our Heavenly Father agreed to protect, guide and bless us if we honor and worship Him.
God, the maker of the universe, chose to give sinful, selfish, and unfaithful us a part of Him to be with us. What more can we ask?
I recently started reading through the gospel of Luke and am at the part where Jesus is twelve and scared Mary and Joseph by staying behind without their knowledge. I was just this morning thinking that I really wish Mary had written a journal of raising Jesus. So much about His youth is missing. It certainly would have been a treasure to read His earth mother's words on raising Jesus and His siblings.
ReplyDeleteWe can ask no more; this is the ultimate act of love and grace.
ReplyDeleteHello friend & Merry Christmas! I hope you have had a nice week. Thank you for your prayers duriing my doctor's visit and hospital stay. Your support means so much.
ReplyDeleteLove, Heather