Immanuel

Immanuel.  It means, “God with us.”  Names are meaningful!  Your name is meaningful—it’s how God sees you.  It identifies you.  

So what does it mean when we call Jesus, “God with us.”   We know he came from heaven to earth. He was miraculously born of a virgin. He slipped off his throne and entered a dark world as a baby to bring light and salvation.  

But I think it means something more personal.  He came to redeem us for sure.  And when we invite him in, he lives in us. He walks with us. He carries our burdens. He shows us how to walk through this valley of the shadow of death.  

We may be overwhelmed with hurt—he’s there.  He cares.  We may be despondent—he brings light and hope.  He never leaves.  We may not be able to see the future—he knows the way.  He’ll lead us.  We may be drowning in debt—he’s our source.  He’ll provide.  We may be sick and worried—he’s our healer.  He anoints us with oil.  We may be broken—he’s our restorer.  He will touch our hearts and renew our minds.  We may be overwhelmed with fear—he’s our peace.  He will fight for us. 

Immanuel is kind of like “I AM.”  It’s all-consuming, all-inclusive, all-embracing.  It’s everything.  What do you need?   He’s that. Will his answers to your every question come in a neat and tidy package?   No.  Absolutely not.  Because he wants you to KNOW HIM!   He wants you to press into him. He wants you to learn about his name, his character, his identity.  We’ll never know the depth of who he is—because he’s God.  And this good and gracious God may allow you to walk down difficult paths so he can move in and be Immanuel—God with us. He wants to reside in you, walk with you, and meet all your needs.  He wants to teach you that he’s enough.  He wants to fill you with his love.  And when you know all of that?  You are consumed with knowing—knowing he is enough. He’s all you need and all you want.  He is Immanuel…God with us.