Jaw-dropping Jewels about Jesus
Rarely does Jesus, God the Son, do exactly what we expect of Him. It seems odd that He so frequently surprises us, given that He never changes. Hebrews 13:8 makes this absolute statement: “Jesus the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” Still, though He is blessedly consistent in His goodness, Jesus does unforeseen things. Even when He does what is expected, He does not always do it in the way that we anticipate. Let us join with Jesus on a jaw-dropping journey. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
Isaiah’s Gospel emphasis includes this considerate command: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness” (41:10). This verse (which many of you will recognize as being incorporated into the hymn “How Firm a Foundation”) is in a passage that contrasts lifeless idols and the Living God. His promise is to each one of us: “I am with thee.” Tuesday, we briefly touched upon the prediction of Isaiah 7:14 of “Immanuel.” After the angel told Joseph not to fear (Matthew 1:20-21), this further explanation is given: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, ‘Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel,’ which being interpreted is, ‘God with us’” (verses 22-23). The general assurance that God is with us (a logical outworking of His omnipresence) thus becomes a specific relationship. I know folks who suffer from loneliness – a loneliness which often manifests itself strongly at Christmas. Jesus knows, Jesus cares, and Jesus is “with us” – “God with us.”