Immanuel means God with us. This morning (12/15), I woke up and all I wanted was immanu El. My thoughts, devotion, and other readings all spoke to God being with me (us). Now, some of this started after attending a performance of The Messiah, that much Scripture that centers in Isaiah 7 and 9 had an effect.

2024 is now old and limping towards its end, I do believe he has had enough. The kingdoms of this world have beaten and stomped this year and some will push their mess into 2025. Father God, reminded me of Immanuel and the Kingdom I belong too. The grand announcement of Immanuel was given to Isaiah at a BAD time in Israel’s history. Know what; they made it through. Hebrews 13 reminds us that God will not leave us by quoting Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 23, and Psalm 118:6,7. James 4:8 tells us to “draw near” to God because He is drawing us to Himself.

Is Immanuel a name, title, or a prophetic word of truth to comfort us? Yes, Praise God! I can see Mary telling the Shepherds when they came that God was here, and His name was Jesus (Matthew 1:21-23). Part of knowing that God is with me, is looking at some of these people and where they were when these references were written:

• Isaiah was talking to Ahaz a “bad” king (See 2 Kings 16) who said he would not test God. Judea was about to be invaded by Samaria and Aram, and had to have Assyria bail them out (Isaiah 8:8). 8:10 uses another, but related, phrase for God with us.
• Mary had at least six months of gossip and a troubled Joseph to deal with. Add several days of riding on a donkey while being nine months pregnant.
• Deuteronomy 31 – Moses was telling Joshua that he would be the new leader after he died, before going into the Promised Land.
• Psalm 23, I believe was written by David after he was anointed and before he killed the giant. His brothers were not exactly loving on him while he tended sheep. Yes, I took shepherd as helper. You may use Psalm 12, 30, or 54.
• Psalm 118, I think was written by Solomon. He had to fend off a greedy, older brother and many of David’s advisors, he also built the first Temple.
• The writer of Hebrews was happy that Timothy was out of jail.

In Chapter 9 our Immanuel has other titles given to Him because of His leadership role: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and PRINCE of PEACE. The righteous relationship with God, that Isaiah talks about, will grow if we remember He is with us. My study-writing-therapy time today has been good, but I still have to take time and be still to fellowship with the God who loves me.