Jesus Immanuel and Always Be with Us

Matthew, the writer, wanted to make sure his Jewish readers (who were his primary original audience) saw the connection between events in Jesus’ life and the prophesies about the Messiah in their Scriptures, our Old Testament. He writes, “All of this [Jesus’ birth] occurred to fulfil the Lord’s message through his prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’’” (Matthew 1:22-23, NLT). The passage Matthew referred to came from the prophet Isaiah. While it likely had a short-term fulfilment, early Jewish scholars saw in passages like Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6 whispers from God about the promised Messiah.

Until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the middle of the twentieth century, the accuracy of messianic prophecies were often chalked up to Christians editing the ancient texts and “writing in” references to Jesus. (Yes, Christian scholars were and are accused of editing the ancient texts even today. Why? Because the accuracy of Jesus fulfilling the ancient prophesies about the first coming of Messiah are staggeringly, miraculously accurate that it seems impossible for it to really happen. Unbelievable, it is. But it happened. Believe that the Hebrew Scriptures, the Bible to be the work of God or remain sceptic). A complete scroll of the Book of Isaiah dating to before the time of Jesus was part of the Qumran treasure trove, giving us documented evidence that prophecies about Jesus were on record long before he was born.

In Isaiah’s immediate context, the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 was (and can be) referred to a contemporary fulfilment. But the ultimate fulfilment of the prophecy would occur when a virgin (Mary) would actually conceive and bear a son (Jesus) who would be “God with us” – Immanuel. Interestingly, the final verse in Matthew’s Gospel records Jesus saying, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:10) – Jesus was not only born Immanuel, but he remains forever God with us among all peoples, to the end of the age.

Think about this: Because God foreknows, he can foretell. Because God is ultimately in control, what he foretells will come to be. These prophesies invite and test our trust in God. The accuracy of fulfilment that can be traced in Jesus’ life leaves us without excuse when it comes to trusting God’s plan for the world and his plan for our own lives. Question – In what ways are you trusting God today?

God with us.

God with us always.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Joseph's Dilemma: When Divorcing Mary is Right (Or, Is There Any Better Plan?)

“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21, NLT).

Before the angel explained this to Joseph, it must have been intensely personal and painful for him. Imagine: Mary’s unplanned pregnancy was a shock! Joseph must felt betrayed. We don’t know how he really reacted, but we are told how he planned to respond: “[Joseph] was a good man and did not want to disgrace [Mary] publicly so he decided to break the engagement quietly” (Matthew 1:19). Hurt and disappointed as he must have been, he still refused to take things out on Mary. A gentleman indeed. Mary might die stoned by the people if Joseph had gone public with Mary’s pregnancy and disavowed his own involvement. But the Scriptures tells us that Joseph could not set aside his personal character as a “good” (or righteous) man. But he did have to set aside pride and disappointment in order to practise compassion toward Mary.

By the way, Joseph’s intention were correct according to the law, but God intervened with a better plan: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” If Joseph was not persuaded by Mary’s explanation, then God provided the second witness that confirmed the story. Until Joseph faced the angel, the only possible explanations had been negatively human. Suddenly, with God in the picture, the shattering changes become filled with hope and promise.

Like Joseph, once we discover God’s direction, our actions ought to be determined and immediate. Joseph married Mary and honoured her special role by not physically consummating the marriage until after Jesus was born. “When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus” (Matthew 1:24-25). Soon or later, like Joseph, paying attention to God will lead us to take actions no one else seems to be taking. Following God’s guidance may involve not following what others are doing or what others think should be done.

Think about this: Waiting on God doesn’t necessary mean doing nothing. We want him to direct our lives and that may well mean taking the steps we know we can take. There are always obedient actions we can undertake while we are waiting for direction in some area. Like Joseph, move forward, trusting God’s guidance. Believe in Him.

God helps me to follow You, even when Your will leads me far from what others are doing

or what others think should be done.

I ask You to help me obey immediately, with determination, like Joseph. Amen.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference:

Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011)

Jesus is the Visible Image of the Invincible God

“No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us” (John 1:18, NLT)

Gazing at the skies on a clear night, away from the city lights, we can feel overwhelmed by the vastness of space – and very small in comparison. God can seem distant. We can also feel far removed from the Father when we struggle with conflicts or grief. At those times we must remember to look to Jesus Christ, who perfectly represents the Father. Only the Son communicates God’s glory to us. The phrase “is near to the Father’s heart” pictures Jesus as a child, enjoying a close and warm relationship with his Father. It also suggests the image of two companions enjoying a meal together. According to an ancient custom, the one who reclined next to the master at a meal was the one dearest to him. This is the Son who “has revealed God to us.” The Son lived among people to explain God with his words and by his person. No one can know God apart from Jesus. Later the apostle John (the writer) writes about the time Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus answered, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” (read John 14:8-9).

Jesus is the visible, tangible image of the invincible God. He is the complete revelation of what God is like. This was startling news for Jews, who knew that no human could see God and live. Yet Jesus could say, “If you want to know what God is like, look at me!” What is God’s love like? Look at Jesus. How does God feel about hypocrisy? Look at Jesus. What about God’s goodness, grace and mercy? Look at Jesus.

Think about this: God has revealed himself generally in nature and specifically in Scripture and perfectly in Jesus Christ. When you feel distant from the Father, remember that his Son is near you and his Spirit is in you. As you share the faith with others, keep the focus on Jesus. People may believe in God as an idea, a concept, or even a Supreme Being – distant and unknowable. But they need to deal with Jesus. What they do with him makes all the difference.

Ask yourself, what can you do to focus more on Jesus?

Pray, that Jesus would make his character
 and presence real to you and the people around you today.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference: Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011)

Jesus is Far Greater than [Fill-in the Blank]

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son… From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ”

(John 1:14, 16-17, NLT)

John the Baptist (not John the apostle, the writer) acknowledges that Jesus existed long before him when he proclaimed: “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me’” (John 1:15). How can this be? Isn’t John the Baptist was older than Jesus? From Luke 1:26, we learn that Elizabeth, John’s mother and Mary’s cousin, was six months pregnant when angel Gabriel made the grand announcement to Mary. So John was born at least six months before Jesus. But John knew that Jesus was much more than his blood relative through Mary; Jesus was the eternal Son of God, the Messiah. Truly Jesus is “far greater” than John and even Moses and any other Old Testament prophet or king. John the Baptist submitted himself to Jesus and sent his followers to him, to follow Jesus.

Because Jesus is God, he is perfect in every way. He is the perfect example, so we should look to him for an example of how to live. He is the perfect teacher, so we should listen to him and learn about God, morality, relationships, the meaning of life, and the future from and through him. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the law, becoming sin (or put our sins upon himself), and dying in our place, so we should rest in him alone for salvation.

The apostle John (the writer) affirms this by saying that Jesus was “full of unfailing love and faithfulness” and that he had given his people “one gracious blessing after another.” That is, we will never found Jesus lacking in any way. We are to trust Jesus’s ability to meet our needs. All believers receive Christ’s blessings, but nothing can deplete Christ. This is amazing! No matter how much we receive of him, he keeps on giving. We don’t need to seek any other source of spiritual power but Christ! Yes! Christ alone!

Think about this: In a letter to the Hebrews there is a secret to running the race of life. It is written: “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).  Jesus is the initiator and the perfecter of our faith. Jesus is all we need. Maybe the question for us now is – What helps you keep your eyes focused on Christ?

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference: Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011)

In Jesus, We're Not Alone

“[But] to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God”

(John 1:12-13, NLT)

Father and Son (Jesus). Father and child (us). Those who believe in the Son, Jesus are “reborn” by God and become his children. How intimate is that! In Jesus, God remains holy but never distance from us. Father and child. Know this: family lineage and heritage were important to the Jews. The Jews prided themselves on being God’s chosen people through whom the whole world would be blessed. They knew, of course, that a person was Jewish by birthright. But they may have assumed that being born Jewish would also mean they automatically were God’s children. Not so fast! First, becoming a member of God’s family is open to ALL who believe in Christ. Second, being of a specific race, nationality, party, family, or religion does not guarantee a spot at God’s Kingdom. Only those who “believe” and “accept” are “reborn” into this family.

These days, many assume they have a relationship with God because they are relatively good people, attend church or places of worship, or have a Christian or Muslim or Buddhist or Hindu or whatever-name-you family history. But God’s family membership comes by faith alone. Each person is responsible for his or her own relationship with Christ.

The family analogy goes much further. As members of God’s family, we have Jesus as our Brother (Romans 8:29) and all other believers as our brothers and sisters. We’re accepted. We’re affirmed. We belong. We’re not alone.

Think about this: As God’s children, we have a heavenly Father who cares about us and watches over us. We have an older Brother who is with us and who is interceding for us. We have the Holy Spirit inside us who comforts, guides, and leads us. We, too, have brothers and sisters who can encourage, teach, and assist us and hold us accountable. We’re not alone. Therefore, we should relate well to other believers. Conflicts are unavoidable but try our best to maintain relationship with others. This may seem like a hard order, but remember, we don’t pursue these relationships in our own power but God’s power. With God’s help we can be his kind of people.

In Christ, we’re God’s Children.

In Christ, we’re brothers and sisters.

In Christ, we’re not alone.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference: Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011)

Jesus the [Rejected] Savior

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“[Jesus] came into the world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God” (John 1:10-13, NLT)

Jesus, the divine Son of God, the true Light, came to the earth he had created but was rejected by most – but not everyone. All who put their faith in him, back then, today, and in the future, are reborn – spiritually, divinely transformed. John’s letter affirm that Jesus is the “Word of life” and “eternal life” (1 John 1:1-2). The salvation message is simple: Jesus, the God-man, entered human history, revealing sin and showing the way to eternal life. The first response is to recognize our sinfulness and to acknowledge that Jesus is the way. The second is to “believe” and “accept” the Savior.

When the first disciples believed and were regenerated by the Holy Spirit, they entered into a close relationship (“fellowship”) with the Father and with his Son. The readers may had not seen and heard Jesus themselves (as in 1 John 1:1), but they could trust that what the apostle John wrote accurate. Believers today – you and me – are like those second- and third-generation Christians. Though we have not personally seen, heard or touched Jesus, we have the New Testament record of his eyewitnesses, and we can trust that these eyewitnesses spoke the truth about him.

Think about this: When Jesus began his public ministry, many rejected him. Certain leaders felt his teaching threatened their status and authority. Some couldn’t believe his claims – to be God in the flesh, their Messiah. Others couldn’t get past Jesus’ humble beginnings, which hardly befitted a king. Some struggled with Jesus’ call to deny self. Today people reject Jesus for those same reasons. A man claiming to be God, the forgiver of sins, and the only way to heaven – that’s tough to swallow. But now, just as then, many do believe and received eternal life.

The word savior means “one who saves, rescues, or delivers.” Jesus the Savior has delivered you from your enemy, Satan, rescued you from sin’s power, and saved you from sin’s penalty. You’re forgiven, free and now a citizen and representative of God’s Kingdom to the world for Jesus. You’re God’s children.

The world needs Savior.

Jesus saves.

“Believe” and “accept” Jesus.

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference: Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011)

Jesus, the Son of God Become Like Us (Most Religious Leaders Forbid You to Read This)

“’Don’t be afraid Mary,’ the angel told her, ‘for you have found favour with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High… the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God… For nothing is impossible with God.’”

(Luke 1:30-32, 35, 37, NLT).

Jesus was born as a baby (how amazing and unthinkable is that!). The divine Creator humbled himself and entered the human race as a flesh-and-blood human being. The apostle John knew Jesus man-to-man, having lived, eaten, conversed, and travelled with him. John had heard Jesus teach and heal, and had seen him suffer and die. According to John, “the Word became human and made his home among us” (John 1:14).

But no one was closer to Jesus than his mother, Mary. In the passage above, an angel approached this startled teenager and explained that she would have a baby, but not just any baby, “the Son of God.” God would come to earth supernaturally but through natural means: conception, pregnancy, and birth. Jesus was (and is) both divine and human, the God-man. No one knows exactly how that works, but we see the evidence throughout the Scriptures, from the believers’ personal encounter with him and as revealed by the Holy Spirit. Jesus was fully God and fully man – at the same time.

Imagine what Mary must have been thinking and feeling at this moment. Angel visits didn’t happen every day! And angel Gabriel’s message was even more startling – a virgin conceiving, by the Holy Spirit, and birthing God’s Son. Yet Mary responded with faith and submission, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” No wonder she had “found favour with God.”

Think about this: Jesus was a living, breathing, and feeling human person. He wasn’t a divine being dressed up like a human; he wasn’t acting a part. Jesus fully took on flesh and experienced firsthand all that we experience. Thus, the Bible tells us, he can understand us and fully sympathize with us (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus, the Creator, became a baby, a child, an adolescent, an adult – with all of the human physical, psychological, and emotional qualities, but perfect, without sin. He knows us in every way. He knows you. And get this – he loves you and wants only the best for you. That’s a truth almost as amazing as Gabriel’s announcement.

Do you want to know Jesus more? Pray and read God’s Word.

Get personal and investigate His Person. Your life might never be the same.

“Nothing is impossible with God”

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Reference: Life Application Study Bible Devotional: Daily Wisdom from the Life of Jesus (Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2011)