The Name: Emmanuel
As we continue our series on the names of Jesus during Christmas, we come upon Emmanuel, a name that encapsulates the presence of God with us. This is vividly portrayed in Matthew 1, as the angel reveals to Joseph the significance of this name. Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us,' is not just a title; it represents a profound truth about the nature of God's interaction with humanity. If God is indeed with us, as Emmanuel proclaims, then His presence should be evident in our actions, our attitudes, and our approach to life.
Consider the example of Paul Simmons, head coach at Hardin University. In a moment of triumph, amidst the chaos and excitement of a national championship game, Simmons chose to reflect glory back to God, quoting Ephesians 3:21 in his first words during a national interview. This instance serves as a reminder that when God is with us, His influence and presence can shine through in even the most secular settings. This Christmas, as we adorn our homes with ornaments and sing carols, let us ponder deeply on Emmanuel. The world around us, often skeptical and longing for proof of God's existence, watches our lives for evidence of this truth. The responsibility to demonstrate God's presence falls upon us.
In Matthew 1:20-23, we gain a unique perspective from Joseph, who grapples with the revelation that Mary, his betrothed, is pregnant through divine intervention. Here, the angel clarifies to Joseph that this child is not ordinary; He is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 7:14 — God with us. Yet, we must ask ourselves, has this monumental truth lost its impact in our daily lives? Do we truly live in a manner that reflects the presence of God within us? To reawaken the awe-inspiring reality of Emmanuel, let us turn to Hebrews chapter 4. Here, we find the practical application of this truth, the 'so what' of Emmanuel. We must be willing to delve into the Scriptures to fully grasp the magnitude of God's desire to be with us.
The narrative of Emmanuel spans the entirety of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. It begins with God's intimate presence with Adam and Eve in the Garden, disrupted by the fall of man. Throughout the Old Testament, we witness God's relentless efforts to restore this broken relationship, culminating in the birth of Jesus. Yet, the story does not end with His birth. Christ's life, death, and resurrection are essential to this narrative, enabling the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, making Emmanuel a permanent reality. As we explore Hebrews 4:14-16, we are not just revisiting a familiar story. We are seeking to understand the full implications of God with us, not just as a historical fact, but as a transformative reality in our lives today.
1. Because God Is With You in Christ… Let Your Faith Be Reassured
There are three profound benefits of Emmanuel — God with us. This first benefit is a call to let our faith in Christ, the manifestation of God's presence, reassure and bolster us in times of uncertainty and fear. In today's world, many confess Christ with their mouths but live in a state of fear as if devoid of faith. They fret over national turmoil, financial instability, or health crises. However, the author of Hebrews presents a powerful counter-narrative. Christ, our great High Priest, has traversed from heaven to earth — a journey marked by His sacrificial death, resurrection, and ascension. Now, seated at God's right hand, He continually intercedes on our behalf. This profound truth should anchor our faith, reassuring us of God’s unwavering presence.
The Levitical priesthood and the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament provide a backdrop for understanding Christ's superior role. Unlike the high priests who annually entered the Holy of Holies with sacrificial blood, Christ permanently passed through the veil of death, shedding His blood once and for all. His sacrifice was the ultimate act, enabling God's Spirit to dwell with us forever. This should prompt us to firmly grasp the reality that God is with us, not as a transient guest, but as a permanent presence in our lives.
We often confuse feelings with facts. Loneliness, though a real emotion, is not a reality in Christ. While you may feel lonely, the truth is that through faith, God's Spirit is always with you. It is crucial to distinguish between what feels real and what is true. In Christ, loneliness is vanquished, and His constant presence is a reassuring truth. For those who have already embraced faith in Christ, this point serves as an affirmation. The Creator of the universe is with you. There is no longer a need to be ensnared by fear or anxiety. In Christ, who continues to intercede for us, and through His Spirit that dwells within us, we find all that we need.
Even with an intellectual grasp of these truths, some may still find it challenging to approach God in prayer, especially during times of pain. The belief that God cannot understand our struggles is a significant deterrent. Yet, verse 15 of Hebrews chapter 4 rebukes this notion. Christ, having lived as a human, has experienced temptation and understands our weaknesses intimately. This understanding is not abstract; it is deeply personal. Christ's incarnation signifies that He knows our pain, our struggles, and our human experiences. Therefore, we can trust Him completely.
In embracing Emmanuel, God with us, we are invited to let our faith be reassured. Christ's role as our High Priest and His understanding of our human condition is not mere theological concepts but are realities that should deeply affect how we live and perceive our relationship with God. As we continue to explore the depths of Emmanuel, let us hold fast to this reassurance, knowing that in every aspect of our lives, God is with us.
2. You Can Trust Him Because He Has Been Where You Are
Emmanuel, 'God with us,' shows us that we should trust in Him because He has been where we are. This statement, while simple to utter, holds deep significance in its application to our faith and life. Trust is not easily given, especially in a world where past pains and betrayals make us cautious. Many of us, due to previous experiences, find it difficult to trust freely. This challenge of trust is universal, affecting everyone, regardless of their life journey.
Consider the trust one develops in a spouse over years of shared experiences, sacrifices, and support. A personal example illustrates this beautifully: a wife choosing an action movie for her husband, enduring it despite her preferences, and doing so without complaint. Such acts of selflessness and understanding in human relationships lay the foundation for deep trust. This earthly example pales in comparison, however, to the trustworthiness of Jesus as our Savior.
Unlike any human relationship, Jesus has earned our trust on a much grander scale. His sacrifice on the cross, His unwavering commitment to our salvation, and His deep understanding of our nature — these are the pillars upon which His trustworthiness stands. He knows us more intimately than anyone else, including ourselves. He is not just our creator but also our constant companion in every season of life. Have you experienced pain, physical or emotional? So has Christ. The crucifixion was not just a physical ordeal but also an emotional and spiritual one, where He felt abandoned, betrayed, and alone. In His humanity, Jesus experienced the full spectrum of human emotions and pain. This profound understanding makes Him uniquely capable of sympathizing with our struggles.
Understanding that Jesus has walked in our shoes, felt our pain, and carried our burdens should dismantle any barriers to trusting Him. What is keeping you from approaching Him? Every requirement for coming to Jesus has been met by His sacrifice. There is no reason left not to trust Him; in fact, every reason points us towards Him. It is crucial to recognize that Jesus is not a distant, unapproachable deity. He is God who became flesh, who experienced life as we do, who understands our pain and struggles. This understanding should draw us closer to Him, fostering a deep trust in His presence and guidance in our lives. So today, let us not hesitate to go to Him, to pour out our hearts, and to find solace in the fact that He understands us completely. Trust in Emmanuel, for He has been where you are.
3. Approach the Throne of God With Confidence and Receive the Help You Need
The author of Hebrews invites us to approach God’s throne with a unique blend of humility and assurance. This confidence stems not from our merit but from Christ's mediation on our behalf. It is a profound shift from approaching God casually or fearfully to engaging with Him with the certainty that we are heard and loved. It is crucial to recognize that God's desire to hear from us is rooted in His love. He cares deeply for us and is more than capable of providing the help we need. Any notion contrary to this — whether it is a belief that God is indifferent, punitive, or uninterested — is a distortion of the truth. God’s incarnation and His sacrificial journey from heaven to earth are the ultimate expressions of His care and concern for us.
The reluctance to approach God often stems from misconceptions about His nature. These can range from feeling unworthy to the belief that God is uninterested in our problems. Such lies must be confronted and replaced with the truth of Scripture, which assures us of God's enduring love and willingness to help. While we cannot demand specific outcomes from God, such as physical healing or material wealth, there are guarantees that Scripture does offer. Firstly, mercy — not receiving the wrath we deserve because of Christ’s sacrifice. Secondly, grace — receiving unmerited favor, including God’s presence, hope, and peace. Thirdly, help — the assurance that God will be present in our time of need, however that may manifest.
One of the most profound promises is the peace that transcends understanding, as described in Philippians 4. This peace is often what our hearts are truly seeking, even more than the specific answers we request in prayer. With these truths in hand, we are encouraged to go to God boldly in prayer, knowing that He hears and responds to our cries. A personal story illustrates this beautifully: a young boy, entangled in a spider web and terrified, cries out for help. His father, hearing his cries, comes to his aid. Similarly, our Heavenly Father hears us when we cry out and is ready to assist us in our times of need.
When we start approaching God with confidence and understanding the relationship we have with Him, we begin to live in a way that visibly demonstrates His work in us. This is the essence of Emmanuel — not just knowing that God is with us but showing His presence through our lives to others. As we step out of the doors of our churches, homes, or wherever we may find ourselves, let the truth of Emmanuel inspire us to live with renewed faith, trust, and boldness. In doing so, we not only experience the fullness of God's presence in our lives but also become conduits of His love and grace to the world around us.