History Books in 90 Days: Ruth 1-2
IMMANUEL
Forecast: Isaiah 7:14 14Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall
conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (ESV)
Fulfillment: Matthew 1:22-23 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the
prophet: 23”Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(ESV)
Immanuel was not a common name in Israel but a prophetic name that tells us about the
significance of this child that was to be born. Two truths are suggested by this name. First His
Deity and second His fellowship with men. He became “God manifest in flesh.” This shows us
the character of God and gives us something that we can cling to when we face dark and difficult
hours. The Mighty God is with us, giving us HOPE because of His presence within us, although we
are poor mortals made of dust. Why should we ever doubt or despair? Immanuel is a grand word
meaning “God with us” yet look at one verse previous in Matthew 1:21 “She will give birth to a son,
and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (NIV).
They call His name “Jesus” yet this is synonymous to the name “Immanuel”. The Saviour is God
with us. Jesus: Saviour-Immanuel. The two names go together, God has come to save us, and
God is with us. If God Himself is our salvation then God is on our side, then God is our friend. We
can trust this Love. His very birth brings HOPE for His death brings the forgiveness of our sins and
the removal of God’s wrath. Yes, Jesus is God with us!
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Immanuel – God with us; are you tapping into His presence on a regular basis through
listening prayer?
2. Spend some time today listening in prayer – ask Him questions about your marriage, your kids,
your finances, your job, or whatever else comes to mind. He longs to be “Immanuel” to you!
3. Spend some time thanking Him for speaking to you in those areas. Commit to spending more
time in your devotions just listening to Him.
