God With Us

December 13, 2009

Lesson: Isaiah 7:10–17; Luke 1:30–38

Key Verse: Isaiah 7:14

Introduction

There was a sign given to God’s people that would reveal the divine intervention of the Lord who would bring salvation to those whom he had chosen to be his very own people: the Savior, the chosen Messiah. Joseph heard the fulfillment of this promise in Mary, “she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS (Joshua, meaning Jehovah is Salvation); for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet (Isa. 7:14), 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.” (Matt. 1:21–23).

Trust in God—Isaiah 7:10–17

The stubbornness of Ahaz reveals the weakness of his faith. For he would rather vacillate and compromise to meet the ends he feels is best, rather than give allegiance to the Lord of hosts. The Lord speaks to Ahaz through his servant Isaiah, saying, “Ask thee a sign of the Lord thy God, ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.” Ahaz is given a chance to be a great and noble king. He starts out as all those of little faith do. He twists the words of the Lord to his own benefit. He wants, at least, to sound faithful, saying, “I will not ask, neither will I tempt the Lord.” Was he thinking of the words of Moses, “Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deut. 6:16)? These words were said to those who would go after other gods rather than the true God. Let us not tempt God by claiming the name of Christ but serving the gods of this world. However, the command given to Ahaz was not to tempt or test God, but to trust in his words that his faith may be confirmed.

How closely the Lord works in and through his servant Isaiah in speaking to Ahaz. Our faith is strengthened as we remember that it is the Spirit who gives us the needed understanding as we study his Word. Isaiah’s response was one that severed whatever bond there might have been between Ahaz and the Lord; saying, “Hear ye now, O house of David; it is a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also?” The Lord speaks of what he will do. Ahaz could have found joy in knowing the plan of God; rather than finding only hopelessness as he hears with deaf ears. He closed his ears and heard not the wonderful Good News of Christ: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

The person of God’s Son, our Savior, is illustrated before the house of David. The Son is to be pure in moral character, “that he may know to refuse evil, and choose the good.” He would be the divine Son of God, able to redeem the true people of God. Before his coming, the unbelieving and unfaithful nations would know the wrath of the Lord: “the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings.” Syria and Israel would be laid waste by the Assyrians, who came to assist Ahaz. Having refused help from the Lord, Judah also would feel his hand by the Assyrians: “The Lord will bring upon thee, and upon thy people, and upon thy father’s house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the king of Assyria.”

Judgment upon Ahaz and unfaithfulness clouded the promise of the coming Messiah. However, He would come. The Lord keeps His covenant. The Messiah will ever be Isaiah’s light, who will be Jehovah’s “righteous servant” to “justify many; for he will bear their iniquities.”

Discussion: How is trust and unfaithfulness illustrated in the life of Ahaz?

Promised Son—Luke 1:30–33

The angel of the Lord calmed the heart and soul of Mary with these words: “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Our Father in heaven loves his own; and when fear rises in the heart because of his words and works, he calms the soul with his Spirit, that we may not be afraid but joyful in our obedience. Fear of the Lord is precious to us for it is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7).

Mary had found grace, favor in the presence of God. She was given the Spirit of joy, of being accepted by the Lord. The peace which the Lord gave her enabled her to hear the reason why she was given such a grace. Gabriel’s message from God was, “behold, thou shalt conceive a son, and shalt call his name Jesus (Joshua = Salvation is of Jehovah). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

We see here the Christ who “was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). To his Christ, God the Father spoke: “Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee” (Heb. 1:5). To his Son he declares, “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (1:8). There is no such kingdom on earth like that which the Son of God has established, a glorious and eternal kingdom that continues to advance in every nation.

Discussion: What are some of the characteristics of Jesus and his kingdom?

How Shall This Be?—Luke 1:34–38

Mary asks the most obvious question: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” Zachariah and Elizabeth had a child of their flesh. How would Mary conceive a child without a man? This child that Mary would carry would be a very special child. The baby would be fed by her flesh, but the seed would be the work of the Holy Spirit.

Gabriel was an angel sent of God. He must have wondered in his own spirit at the glorious grace of God when he passed on this message: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” The mystery of the incarnation is found in the work of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter who leads us into all truth. We should not forget the work of the Holy Spirit. As the Father has so loved us, and the Son has so shed his blood for our sins, the Holy Spirit has sanctified us.

Mary’s experience with the angel Gabriel concludes with these words: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” The Spirit of the Lord had calmed her spirit and Mary rejoiced in accepting the Lord’s promise. We should also pray for this spirit. As the Holy Spirit leads us into the truth of his written word we should also respond and say, “Do unto us according to your word.”