June 23rd~God is With Us

2 Kings 15:32-38


2 Chronicles 27:1-9

Micah 1:1-16


2 Kings 16:1-9


2 Chronicles 28:1-15

Isaiah 7:1-25

Both Israel and Judah are in the throes of judgment. Not only were they being invaded by foreign nations, they were at war with each other. Jerusalem itself was under attack; thousands of people were being taken captive. The prophets Micah, Obed, and Isaiah were delivering messages of doom and gloom. It seemed that the wheels were coming off and both nations were headed for disaster.

After the good King Uzziah died, he was followed by Jotham, who did what was right in the eyes of God, then Ahaz, who was wicked. It was during the reign of Ahaz, King of Judah, that Israel and the Arameans attacked Jerusalem. Rather than turn to the Lord for help, Ahaz reached out to the King of Assyria, in essence enslaving the people of Judah to this mad man.

It was in the midst of the siege of Jerusalem that Isaiah approached King Ahaz with wonderful news, that one day a virgin would conceive a child and give birth to a son and call His name Immanuel, meaning “God is with us” (7:10-16). While we are not told if this prophecy had an immediate fulfillment in the days of Ahaz or Isaiah, we do know, of course, that it was ultimately fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah (Matthew 1:22, 23).

I’ve often wondered exactly how this prophecy would have been an encouragement to Ahaz and his family when it would not be fulfilled for another 500 years. What does this news have to do with the armies outside of Jerusalem’s walls? These questions warrant a closer look at the prophecy and to whom it was given.

The key to understanding the significance of this prophecy is found in Isaiah’s opening, “Listen, you royal family of David!” The news of the Messiah would have been a reminder to Ahaz and his family of God’s promises — that David’s family would always have a king on the throne and that someday a Chosen One would come from their descendants to bless the nations of the world. Therefore, even though things looked bad at the moment, as Jerusalem was under attack, God would keep His promises. Because of His love for Abraham and David, He would preserve a remnant of His people despite their sins.

Daily Reflection

Oftentimes, especially during days of distress, you need to be reminded that God is with you and that He is for you. Though the enemy may surround you and try to destroy you, though you are pressed from every side, you can trust that God is there, protecting you, providing for you, and purposefully working all things for your good and His glory.

When is it that you need most to be reminded of this truth? Why then?

You may be like me and get yourself into all kinds of messes. How can this truth, that God is with you, be an encouragement when you have sinned or done something to displease the Lord?

The Messiah not only came to save you from your sins, He came to save you from yourself. Don’t allow trouble, fear, or failure rob you of this wonderful news — God is with you!

BiAY.org | Day 174 — 191 Days to Go