GOD GAVE THE SIGN

(A series in the book of Isaiah: Chapter 7)

Chapter 7 holds the most beautiful word for the children of God. Do you know what is that word? I believe the hint is already pretty obvious. It is in the title, the word, “Immanuel.” What does this word mean? It means God is with Us. We can take a whole lot of time to discuss the significance of this very beautiful word.

However, for now, let us keep our focus on the essence of the mention of this word here in Isaiah chapter 7. The King of Judah at that very time was in deep trouble. Ahaz, the king, was shaken and terrified by the threat of the enemy nations forming allies against him. It was not an easy time; it was a time of great emotional and psychological torture as defeat is knocking at the door. The nation of God was in great danger to be trampled again by an enemy nation. The king was confused about where to put his allies on just to win the battle. Then the word of the Lord came to him through Prophet Isaiah saying words of assurance for the future.

What was really happening was that the danger is at hand. The action needed is so immediate. The king could not wait for what God has for him. The king did not understand the point f God’s strategy for him. Just like other kings in the history of God’s people, he is not so spiritually inclined, he is not used to considering the words of God. However, despite this reality of king Ahaz’s natural tendency to distrust Him, God’s promise was still given.

“Yet this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“‘It will not take place,

it will not happen,”

Amidst our faithlessness, God will continue to be faithful.

God’s promise is never dependent on our faithfulness to Him but rather on WHO HE IS—the God who is love. Whoever you are, whatever is your state towards God. He never looks at anything in you, for Him not to help you. He never looks at what you are not. He always looks at who HE IS and who are you in HIS eyes—His dear child who always needs His help.

Despite the above assurance, the king remained not convinced. So, Isaiah delivered another message of assurance. God gave the king a sign. Actually, God asked him to ask for a sign but his faith could not lean on any hope anymore. Forgoing the king’s faithlessness, God proclaimed his promise of great deliverance for His people, Isaiah 7:14-15,

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,

and will call him IMMANUEL. 15 He will be eating curds

and honey when he knows enough to reject the wrong

and choose the right, 16 for before the boy knows

enough to reject the wrong and choose the right, the

land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.

Immanuel is the sweetest name of all—this is the name of Christ. The ultimate deliverer for God’s people. Immanuel here becomes a sign that God will protect His nation and will deliver His people. Immanuel means that even in the most trying times God will be with His people. Immanuel means that He will always be on the side of His people not because they are good and the best but because He promised to be with them. IMMANUEL MEANS GOD IS WITH US EVEN IF HIS CHILDREN COULD NOT ANYMORE AFFORD TO TRUST HIM. HE is with us not because we are faithful but because He is love and we are His. He will never forsake His failing children

Amidst the threat of losing the nation of God into the hands of the enemies. God declared through the words of His appointed servant, His SIGN of deliverance and salvation for His people and that is the IMMANUEL—Jesus Christ.

Whatever is your situation at this very moment, please know that God has given the SIGN of deliverance through Christ. There is no darkness too dark for God’s purposes to penetrate. There is no situation too difficult for God’s care to overcome. There is no circumstance too impossible for God’s love to conquer. Jesus Christ is our deliverance and salvation. Not because we are good but because He is love.