DECEMBER 9 GOD WITH US By John Bouquet Lead Pastor, Bethel Chapel
Today’s Passage: Isaiah 9:6–7; Matthew 1:22–23
Most investors would be thrilled with a 20% return. We pay millions to baseball players with a .250 batting average. We applaud the weather person when their forecast is right 50% of the time. But a prophet of God had to be correct 100% of the time.
This Christmas, focus your attention on the prophecy of Isaiah, the prophet of God who forecast the birth of the Messiah 700 years ahead of His coming.
Judah was in grave danger because of the wicked leadership of King Ahaz. Under his leadership, idol worship was prominent – the worship of Molech, the god who demanded the offering of the firstborn son on the altar. Ahaz offered his son as a burnt sacrifice as an affront to Jehovah. Ahaz made a treaty with the king of Syria. Then he went to Tiglath-Pileser, the evil king of Assyria, for help. God sent Isaiah the prophet to Ahaz to give him the prophecy of God’s Deliverer, the Messiah. In Isaiah 9:6–7, one of the realms of authority for the Messiah is “the government will be upon His shoulders.” He will rule upon the throne of His father, David. His leadership will have no end. His authority will effectively bring justice and righteousness for the time of His earthly rule and forever.
Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 1:22–23) is the fulfillment of this prophecy 700 years later. The story of Christmas is wrapped up in a name: Immanuel – GOD WITH US.
What an inspiring Christmas message. God wants to live among us, within us, and all around us in our daily lives. Jesus is God’s Son, sent from God for such a time as this. He is ruling from His Father’s right hand in heaven. He can rule in your hearts when you receive Him as Lord and Savior. He is coming again to rule from an earthly throne and for all eternity.
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