December 15 – It Was Because

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 (NASB
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High;” - Luke 1:31-32a (NASB)
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 (NASB)

The birth of Jesus was known before God created the earth and humans. During this season, we sing about the message which the angels told to the shepherds near Bethlehem the night Jesus was born.  But today's verses tell us that before that, God predicted through His prophet Isaiah the birth of the “Son of God.” God had sent the angel Gabriel with the message about the birth and name of Jesus to Mary who was chosen to be His mother. Gabriel made a visit later to Joseph who was to be Mary's husband. Gabriel revealed why God had chosen the name Jesus for the child who was to be born.  It was because He would save His people from their sins. The prophecy of Isaiah is repeated in Matthew 1:23. These messages, given to the world before the child was born, are important to us. Jesus was coming in order to be our Savior. We should rejoice today that God sent His Son to save us. It was an important message given before He came.  It is just as important today. God promised to provide a way for us to be saved and Jesus is that Way.

198

July 21 – He Never Fails

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.”  - Isaiah 49:15  (ESV)

It is nearly impossible to think that a mother would desert her own child.  So young, the baby needs everything to live from their mother. Food, shelter, comfort, much more. Although most mothers are very consistent and dedicated in their care of their babies, it is possible that a mother might lapse sometimes. The Lord’s care for His children goes beyond that which we humans show to each other as adults. It is a beautiful sight to see a mother loving and caring for her little baby and to sense how she feels about her little one. The Lord wants us to know that His love for us is even greater and His care for us is even more tender.  There are occasions when the task of caring for a baby is too much for a young mother and babies get neglected and maybe even deserted.  But God promises that He never forgets and never deserts us. He will never fail to care for us. Our every need will be met by Him, His love, and His care is divine and eternal. What is your need today? God knows.  Turn to Him and find the help you need.

-198-

December 18 – Extra Special, Hear All About It

“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.  And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.”  Luke 2:17-18 (ESV)

The second chapter of the Gospel of Luke is where we look frequently during this Christmas time.  We've often considered the message the angel gave to the shepherds and the choir of angels' song of praise.  Today we consider how the shepherds passed on this message to others.  After quickly going to where the new-born Jesus was and worshiping Him they could not keep the news to themselves.  We have no idea how many people the shepherds talked to in the town of Bethlehem and on their way back to their sheep.  They of course told Mary and Joseph what the angel had told them about Jesus but evidently they met others in town and told them also.  So the shepherds became preachers and witnesses that night as they passed on this news which was extra special for them.  The news of a Savior is extra special for us too.  When we believe, our lives are changed and we need to pass the news on too.   

#-#-#

Please pass this on to others.

December 16 – The Gift of Gifts

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.”  Isaiah 9:6a (NIV)

We come back to this verse in Isaiah that is a prophecy of the birth of Jesus.  We focus on the first part and the prediction of His purpose.  When we sing Christmas carols we are aware that some of them refer to the baby Jesus as a new King born to sit eventually on the throne of David.  We realize that some of the prophecies about His reign as King have not yet been fulfilled and this would include this prediction of the government being on His shoulders.  We do want to recognize, however that Jesus came to be governor in our lives.  We will do well to let Him be in control of the details of our lives and also of the general plan of things which concern us.  We can allow Him to be our governor and our King with confidence because we trust His promise that He loves us and He will lead us in the best way at all times.  God the Father gave us His Son so that we could be born again as a child of God with Jesus as our King and Lord.  Let that fill our thoughts today and result in praise and thanksgiving for this Gift of gifts.  

#-#-#

Please take a moment to share with friends.

December 9 – Promises in His Name

““Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”” Matthew 1:23 (NASB) 

Yesterday we considered the importance and source of the name given to the baby born to the Virgin Mary.  The meaning of the name of Jesus is significant.  But long before that another name was predicted for Jesus in the writings of the prophet Isaiah.  The Apostle Matthew, when he recorded the Gospel by his name, quoted the Isaiah passage.  This name is different from the name Jesus which was his name and what all people called him by.  We have no recorded time that anyone, during his ministry on earth actually called him Immanuel.  It was an important name that means “God with us,” and it expresses an important truth about Him.   Jesus is the one who is with us all the time.  Because we believe Jesus is God the Son we are thrilled to know that Immanuel is a promise from God that the Son born to the virgin Mary was God's promise to always be with us.  God the Savior is with us all the time.  He will never leave us, we can trust His promise revealed in His name, Immanuel*.  (There are nearly 200 names/titles given to Jesus in the New Testament**)

*Immanuel is the same name that is sometimes rendered Emanuel

** Names of Jesus in the New Testament

#-#-#

Please take a moment to share with friends.

September 14

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you;” Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

The Lord was speaking to His people during the days of Isaiah, His prophet. God has given mothers the ability to comfort their children when they need it. Can’t you see a picture of a sobbing little child being comforted by a mother’s tender touch and by her reassuring words? If you were ever a mother, you can remember how you comforted your little ones just when they needed it. The Lord promises to comfort His own when we need it. When things go wrong, His comfort can change our reaction to the situation. Let us turn to our loving Lord and He will reassure us of His presence.