Midweek Message from the Archive
Names of Jesus: Immanuel
One of the best gifts of parenting is the privilege of watching your kids grow up. Over time we watch them make decisions, some good-some questionable, choose spouses, careers, and possibly begin their own families. There’s little that brings me greater joy than spending time with my sons.
The name of Jesus, Immanuel, means ‘God with us’ which tells me God enjoys spending time with His kids too. Undoubtedly, when the Trinity discussed the idea of creating mankind it was primarily for fellowship. God is all about walking and talking with His kids, from Eden to Egypt, from Israel to Indiana; God wants to be ‘with us’: His name is Immanuel.
A future dad by the name of Joseph had an angel explain that his future wife would carry this One called Immanuel and fulfill the prophecies: God will dwell among His people again. Not in a Tabernacle or Temple, but become a man spending time walking and talking with His people.
When we call Jesus Immanuel it’s a declaration of our confidence that He wants to be part of our life; He cares about us and enjoys us because we’re His kids. He’s not walking on earth anymore but by His Spirit remains a part of us.
He explained this new concept while spending time with His disciples; He will abide or remain within us. What? When we spend time with God (abide: John 6:56, 15:1-11) we’re assured that He’s there enjoying our fellowship because He’s Immanuel and by His Spirit He’s still with us.
And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. You know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
John 14:16-17, 20 ESV
I think God, Father, Son, and Spirit, were discussing that amazing truth as they looked down the corridor of time. It was all about relationship to them. Do you get that? God wanted relationship from before the beginning of time and that desire remains. He wants to be Immanuel to you,
… we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make My dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 2 Corinthians 6:16b ESV
The joy I experience while spending quality time with my sons is a picture of how God feels when He spends quality time with you; He’s our Father and we are His kids. Doesn’t that bring a smile to your face?
For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing His glory. Colossians 1:27 NLT
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