24 DECEMBER
God with us
‘Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.’ Isaiah 7:14
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: John 20:24–31
As fallen creatures, God is against us and we are against him. But in the Messiah he is reconciled—God with us. He is God in our nature still. He suffered as a man, and as a man he now reigns on the throne of glory, exercises all power and receives all spiritual worship both in heaven and upon earth. He is the head of principalities and powers, thrones and dominions, and has a name above every name [Philippians 2:9]. Thus man is not only saved but enabled, brought into the nearest relation to him that sitteth upon the throne, and can say, He is our Lord, our Shepherd, our Saviour, our Friend, Emmanuel, God with us.
What a cold assent is paid to this doctrine by many who profess to receive it as a truth! What a strong foundation for the faith and hope of those who have put their trust in him. How awful the state of those who reject him and say in their hearts, We will not have this man to reign over us [Luke 19:14]. He is now manifested as a Saviour—hereafter he will appear as a Judge. Embrace his golden sceptre, lest you are broken by his rod of iron!
FOR MEDITATION:
Sweeter sounds than music knows
Did the Lord a man become
Charm me, in Emmanuel’s name;
That he might the law fulfil,
All her hopes my spirit owes
Bleed and suffer in my room,
To his birth, and cross, and shame.
And canst thou, my tongue, be still?
When he came the angels sung
No, I must my praises bring,
‘Glory be to God on high’,
Though they worthless are, and weak;
Lord, unloose my stammering tongue,
For should I refuse to sing
Who should louder sing than I?
Sure the very stones would speak.
O my Saviour, Shield, and Sun,
Shepherd, Brother, Husband, Friend,
Every precious name in one;
I will love thee without end.
SERMON SERIES: MESSIAH, NO. 5 [6/6], ISAIAH 7:14
Milo 