Devo 36: God with Us

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”


Matthew 1:22-23 [see also Isaiah 7:14]

What a magnificent reality is the incarnation! It is an incredible idea that the transcendent God of the whole universe came and made His dwelling among us—not only among us, but in us.

It is truly unfathomable. This is what even the angels desired to peer into for ages (I Pet. 1:12). The same God who spoke the world into existence came and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He made himself of no reputation and took on the form of a man (Phil. 2:15).

His name is “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” This is His identity, his very purpose for coming to earth. In John 17:3, Jesus prayed that we may “know You the one true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” He defined eternal life as knowing God. This is why we were created.

When Adam and Eve were in the garden, they walked with God. They talked to Him and He gave them dominion. When they sinned, they were thrown out of the garden and became separated from God’s holy presence because they would die in His presence.

Since that time, mankind has been getting farther and farther from the presence of God, except those who have chosen to draw near, which means that they must walk in holiness.

In the Old Testament, only a few were chosen to “draw near.” The Levites were the primary ones and only a few other exceptions were allowed (like Moses and David). Even within the Levites, there were even fewer who were allowed (Ezek. 40:46; 44:15-16, etc).

When Jesus came, however, He was God walking on earth. He came as a little baby, grew up among us, taught and healed the people, and died by their hands. He rubbed shoulders with them. He laughed and ate with them. For the disciples and those who believed, it was a dream come true.

Yet, even Jesus told them, “It is better for you if I go away…” (John 16:7). He said that once He left the earth, the helper (the Holy Spirit) would come, and He would guide them into all truth (John 16:7, 13; 14:26).

Even though having Jesus here walking and talking among them was amazing, Jesus knew that when He left, the Holy Spirit would come live IN us. Then, His presence would be with believers at all times. He truly would be “God with us.”

Now, we have His Spirit in a way that has been desired since the time of the fall; yet, we still do not have the full reality of all that God desires for us in dwelling with Him. Jesus will return and dwell on the earth for a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-6).

Together with the saints, Christ in His resurrected body will reign from the earth. Communicating with the saints by the Holy Spirit and in person, He will establish His kingdom on the earth and prepare the earth for the return of the manifest presence of God the Father as in the days of Adam and Eve in the garden.

Ultimately, the three persons of the Trinity will be dwelling with man on the earth as God intended in the beginning. Again, He will be known as “God with us.”

During this time of year, we recognize the time when Jesus came to earth as a little baby and made His dwelling among us. As we do so, let us also recognize “Christ in us the hope of Glory” and speak to Him throughout every moment of our day (Col. 1:27).

Blessings to you all. Hope you had a great Christmas and have a great New Year.

Love,

Amanda
 
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