It Is Written Emmanuel - The Sign, The Son, The Savior

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We invite you to embrace the profound truth of Emmanuel this Christmas. Beyond the glittering lights and festive cheer, may your heart resonate with the eternal significance of Jesus — the sign, the Son, and the Savior. As we celebrate His birth, let's carry the message of hope and redemption into a world that desperately needs the light of Emmanuel.

Unveiling Emmanuel: Navigating Isaiah 7's Prophetic Tapestry

Introduction: In the tapestry of biblical prophecy, few threads are as intricate and profound as the one woven in Isaiah 7. As we stand on the threshold of the Christmas season, this divine narrative unfolds, revealing a promise that spans centuries and culminates in the birth of Jesus — Emmanuel, God with us.

In the recent Sunday service at Simmons Memorial Baptist Church on December 10, 2023, the sermon delved into the profound significance of the Virgin birth of Jesus Christ as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14. Pastor Josh emphasized the divine nature of Jesus, born of a spotless and perfect seed, a birth orchestrated by God rather than sinful man's will. Drawing from Matthew 1:18-20, the sermon explored the fulfillment of the prophecy, highlighting Jesus as not just a child born of a virgin but as the promised Son, the Savior. Pastor Josh passionately expressed the importance of understanding Jesus as both fully God and fully human, a dual nature that enables Him to empathize with humanity while serving as the mediator between God and man. This blog post captures the essence of the sermon, emphasizing the divine orchestration of the Virgin birth and the profound role of Jesus as the ultimate sign, Son, and Savior for all believers.

Greetings, dear friends! Today, we delve into the prophetic words of Isaiah, a message delivered to King Ahaz centuries ago, yet carrying profound implications for us today. In Isaiah 7:14, God promised three things: a Sign, a Son, and a Savior. Let's explore the depth of this prophecy and its dual significance, pointing both to the immediate context of King Ahaz and the eternal truth revealed in the birth of Jesus.

1. The Historical Prelude: Ahas Faces Imminent Threats

The narrative begins in the turbulent days of Ahas, king of Judah, when geopolitical tensions escalated. Resin, the king of Syria, and Pica, the king of Israel, united against Judah. This sets the stage for the prophet Isaiah to deliver a message of hope amidst imminent threat.

Key Points:

• Ahas, the king of Judah, confronted threats from Syria and Israel.

• Isaiah, God's messenger, intervenes to offer hope in the face of impending conflict.

2. The Prophetic Sign: Assurance Amidst Fear

In the shadow of fear, God provided a sign through Isaiah, assuring Ahas that the impending attack on Judah would falter. The prophecy foretells the demise of Ephraim within 65 years, providing both immediate relief for Ahas and a profound future fulfillment.

The Sign - A Roadmap of Prophecy Isaiah presented a sign, a marker guiding us through the unfolding events of history. Much like road signs alerting us to what lies ahead, prophecies act as divine roadmaps. In our journey of faith, we have the privilege of looking back at fulfilled prophecies, a blessing our predecessors did not share. The sign assures us of God's guidance, directing our steps on the path He has laid out for us.

Key Points:

• Isaiah's prophecy assures Ahas that the attack on Judah will not materialize.

• The fall of Ephraim within 65 years serves as both historical and future fulfillment.

3. The Virgin Birth: Echoes in Matthew 1

Fast forward to the pages of Matthew 1, where the promise takes tangible form. Mary, an unassuming virgin, becomes the vessel for Isaiah's prophecy, conceiving by the Holy Spirit. The virgin birth of Jesus echoes the uniqueness and divinity foretold in Isaiah.

Key Points:

• Mary, a virgin, conceives by the Holy Spirit, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy.

• The virgin birth symbolizes the uniqueness and divinity of Jesus.

4. The Son: A Name Above All Names

As the angel guides Joseph, the name 'Jesus' is bestowed upon the child. Beyond a mere appellation, Jesus encapsulates the mission — 'the Lord saves.' He is not merely a child but the Son, embodying the salvation of humanity.

The Promise of a Son - Born of a Virgin The second aspect of Isaiah's prophecy is the promise of a Son, born to a virgin. This miraculous birth is not only a testament to God's power but also a crucial element in ensuring the sinless nature of Jesus. Born without the stain of human sin, Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the requirement for redemption. The Virgin Mary's womb, untouched by the corruption of mankind, played a pivotal role in bringing forth the Savior.

Key Points:

• The name 'Jesus' signifies the mission of salvation.

• Jesus is not just any child; He is the Son, bringing salvation to humanity.

5. Jesus - The God-Man: A Mystery Unveiled

Pastor Josh delves into the profound mystery of Jesus as both fully God and fully human. The dual nature of Jesus positions Him as the mediator between God and mankind. His sinless existence becomes the bedrock of our salvation, a truth echoing through the corridors of time.

The Savior - Emmanuel, meaning "God With Us," encapsulates the heart of the prophecy. While Isaiah's immediate context spoke to the protection of Judah against external threats, the ultimate fulfillment occurred in the birth of Jesus Christ. The Savior born in Bethlehem, foretold by prophets like Micah, emerged from Galilee, and even found refuge in Egypt, aligning with various prophecies. Jesus embodies the realization of God's promise to be with us, a constant presence in our lives.

Key Points:

• Jesus embodies the mystery of being fully God and fully human.

• His sinless nature establishes Him as the mediator between God and mankind.

6. The Majestic Nature of Jesus: Beyond Comprehension

As we grasp the significance of Jesus, our minds are confronted with the majesty of His nature. In essence, Jesus is the God-Man, a reality that transcends human comprehension. His dual nature becomes the bridge that unites us with the divine, offering salvation and eternal connection.

Key Points:

• Understanding the majesty of Jesus requires a recognition of His dual nature.

• Jesus, as the God-Man, serves as the bridge between humanity and divinity.

7. Closing Thoughts: Embracing Emmanuel

As the Christmas season approaches, let's not merely witness but actively participate in the narrative of Emmanuel. Beyond the festive trappings, let's anchor our hearts in the truth that Jesus is the sign, the Son, and the Savior. May this Christmas be a celebration of the divine promise fulfilled in the birth of our Lord.

In reflecting on Isaiah's prophecy, we see the seamless thread weaving through history, connecting the immediate concerns of King Ahaz to the eternal promise of a Savior. The Sign, the Son, and the Savior converge in the person of Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. As we navigate life's journey, may we find assurance in the signs God provides, embrace the Son born of a virgin for our salvation, and rejoice in the reality of Emmanuel - God With Us.

Key Points:

• Christmas is an invitation to actively engage with the story of Emmanuel.

• Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise, transcending the tinsel and carols.

Conclusion: In the intricate tapestry of Isaiah 7, we find a prophecy that transcends time, weaving through history to culminate in the birth of Jesus. Emmanuel — God with us — emerges as a guiding light, assuring us that God's promises stand unwavering.

As we delve into the significance of Emmanuel this Christmas, may it spark a renewed sense of awe and gratitude for the extraordinary gift of Jesus, our Savior. In the midst of festivities, let's remember that the heart of Christmas beats with the promise of salvation, echoing through the ages.

Closing Invitation: With these reflections, we invite you to embrace the profound truth of Emmanuel this Christmas. Beyond the glittering lights and festive cheer, may your heart resonate with the eternal significance of Jesus — the sign, the Son, and the Savior. As we celebrate His birth, let's carry the message of hope and redemption into a world that desperately needs the light of Emmanuel.