Immanuel
“It was a thing unheard of before, and unparalleled since, that a virgin should conceive and bear a Son,” quoth Spurgeon’s December 25th’s Morning and Evening. “When did angels indulge in midnight songs, or did God ever hang a new star in the sky before? To whose cradle did rich and poor make so willing a pilgrimage and offer such hearty and unsought obligations?” Obviously, such things never happened before in history, nor have since. The golden name, Immanuel, is inexpressibly delightful. God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave . . .”
I could not help but wonder what this Christmas would be like for us and am astounded at how my wonder was met by the unexpected providence of God during this time of celebration. God has been truly with us, but I did not expect to find it in the death of a family member. The keen ear of Spurgeon to the mouth of God heard the words of comfort and joy found in Immanuel, and we were directed to find these as wise men who follow a star . . .
The words of Isaiah’s prophecy to Ahaz concerning Immanuel are given in the context of trust. Do you trust God? Immanuel means that God is trustworthy and He demonstrates that trustworthiness in His very presence. Isaiah had to understand that as did Ahaz, and in the double fulfillment of prophecy, the whole world must face that question until Kingdom come.
Is God trustworthy? The question has been directed to me and to my wife, to our family and all our in’s and out-laws. The question was directed to Andrew. The question was directed to his wife. Each answers differently. My wife’s family is trying to find an answer and many cannot see it before their eyes, which are blinded by the god of this world. Some force an answer that does not fit and this easily cause more hurt than heal. Some who never cared in life fake an emotion and offer empty words of, what? I would rather they just go away.
Two truths: first, everyone has an appointment with death. I am convinced that no death is an accident. “And as it is appointed to men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Heb 9:27) Sooner or later everyone runs out time, so this is the “appointed” part. Second, death frees the soul. Nobody runs out of eternity, where each will be answering the question, “How did you trust God?” This is the “judgment” part. Obviously it make more sense to spend time preparing for that which will not end, rather than squandering time trying to hold on to that which will not last.
Those who do trust God have hope not found in any other. “ . . . and now we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendour. The babe of Bethlehem appears to be manifestly with us in weakness.”
The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop at late or early hour.
To lose one's wealth is sad indeed.
To lose one's health is more.
To lose one's soul is such a loss
that no man can restore.
Thirty-nine people died while you read these words. Every hour 5,417 go to meet their Maker. You could have been among them. Sooner or later you will be.
Has God been with you? What have you done with His trustworthiness?
Are you ready?
