PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Isaiah 7-8
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us.” (Isaiah 8:10)
When Judah is under attack, God inspires the people with the name ‘God is with us’.
This is what Immanuel means in 7:14 and 8:8, and God’s encouragement to the people.
The baby born in 7:14 and in 8:3 was meant as a sign for Ahaz, the king of Judah.
Matthew links these baby signs to Jesus, who is also ‘God is with us’ (Matthew 1:23).
Jesus gives me the courage to take my stand against my enemy.
No matter what scheme or trouble is planned for me, God is with me.
I take my stand with Jesus; I will overcome the enemy’s schemes with him.
“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy;
do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.” (Isaiah 8:12)
Right now COVID is leading many to fear conspiracies… should we fear them?
I have no doubt that there are all kinds of conspiracies at work in the world.
But whatever plans are being proposed, they will not stand, for God is with us.
As we enter another COVID Christmas, let’s be encouraged by the sign of the baby!
Remind yourself, and your fears and frustrations, that in Jesus, God is still with us!
PRAYER
Lord, I find this pandemic as draining and frustrating as everyone else. But knowing you are with me, and that nothing can separate me from your love, gives me strength and hope!
“Will you try the patience of my God also?” Isaiah asks King Ahaz. Sure there are many things to fear – in Judah’s situation the threat of invasion was imminent – it caused much fear. But Isaiah asks the king to trust God – after all, Isaiah says – God is whom you should fear. How often do I let other things and situations threaten me – make me anxious – but I need not fear if I am God’s child. God will see me through – I need only but my fear/trust in him! Lord, help me especially in times of anxiety – to rest in you alone. You have given us the sign of Immanuel – God with us – Jesus and the HS! Thank you!
Stepping stone or a stumbling block?
In times like these I take courage that the Lord God is with me like He promised. The reason for the season is to remind us that God is with us as He promised. Emmanuel. And it is in that power I go forward each day anew, refreshed by His Word and presence. I need to continue my walk in His Light and not walk in the way of the people. Continue to lead me and guide me Lord in the Way. That is comfort in days like these.
1
All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
2
All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.
3
All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.