Immanuel: God with us
MATTHEW 1:22-25 | SAM LETO
‘All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.’
It's the middle of December; the days are dark, the nights are cold, and we are busy balancing normal commitments alongside Christmas preparations… However, today’s passage gives us a powerful reminder amidst the fatigue and joy of this time of year.
These verses are rich with meaning, but here’s a simple yet profound takeaway; the faithful God is with us. In v22 we see that the angel’s message to Joseph reveals a centuries-old prophecy from Isaiah, which mentions “Immanuel”, who will be born on the earth. From this we can be encouraged that God is the divine orchestrator, whose enduring promises never fail.
The name Immanuel powerfully describes who Jesus is, and we get the helpful definition of this at the end of v22: “God with us”. Yes, be uplifted today knowing that the Almighty God, in grace and love, humbled himself right down to our level to be with us and is indeed with us now through His Spirit.
In v23-25, we see Joseph modelling the kind of faith that we should echo when surprises, disappointment or pain come across our path. Joseph’s obedience to what was commanded results in the name “Jesus” being given, which is a profound mark of the arrival of salvation. Jesus is the fulfilment of the prophecy in Isaiah, and the name Jesus is an encouraging description of what Jesus does; he saves.
So today, remember Immanuel. God is faithful, God is with you and God Saves.
Lord God, help us in the midst of life’s painful and joyful times to remember Immanuel. Thank you that you are with us, we praise you for your faithfulness and may we find rest in your salvation. Amen.
