Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 KJV
Judah was under seige by its enemies. When you read 'enemies', you will expect to hear they are nations from far away, but these were Syria and Israel. How could a nation that came from you hate you so much that it would come into a conspiracy with your arch-enemy to attack you? That is what sin does: reduces you to a piece of bread to be eaten by all and sundry. God took time to pronounce judgment on both Israel and Syria, not because the king of Judah was really upright, but because of God's mercy. We need to be careful about this God: if He could pay such a high price for our salvation, imagine what the punishment for unconfessed sin will be.
God made promises to king Ahaz of Judah: He will punish Syria and Israel; both nations will be plundered. His promise: none of the plans of these nations will prosper or stand. What could it be that threatens your peace of mind; what could be so weighty that it would prevent you from seeing what God is doing in your life? God wants me to keep my eyes on Him; not my circumstances. Events have a way of promoting fear if you allow them; the secret is to watch out for what God has said concerning the situation you are in. Don't settle for popular opinion; make sure God's view is your one and only anchor.
And God wanted Ahaz to trust His promise, so He asked the king to request any sign from him. If the king had asked for something that broke protocol, God would have done it, yet the king hesitated. His response seems to be all false humility, saying he would not tempt God by asking for a sign. Well, God would not let it go; He would give a sign Himself: If my word is to be trusted, it will speak into the future and still be found to be true. It doesn't matter what today looks like; it is about who speaks. If it is me, God, be rest assured that I have power to bring about whatever I say.
So, what's the sign: the virgin birth, which in itself, is a miracle. How does a lady conceive outside the natural process? When God is at work, earthly rules don't matter. Joshua spoke, and the sun delayed going down for a whole day. Elijah prayed, and rain didn't fall, even when it was its season to. Peter walked on water at the command of this God. You see, earthly rules are only good down here as long as God allows them; He made them and they answer to Him.
That sign is the Messiah who has come to save and deliver from sin. From the time these words were spoken, about 700 years passed before they were physically fulfilled. Time isn't an issue when it comes to what God can do. The Son was promised centuries ago, but God kept the promise, just as He keeps all the ones He's made in the past. He is faithful. His gift is the source of life, and His ever-abiding presence which His name Immanuel represents. No matter what goes on now, remember: you have and serve a God of absolute power. He saves to the end, not just for some time. He has defeated our greatest enemy: the devil, and sin his product. The sign has been made manifest; how do I respond? Would I believe or would I reject it? Remember, eternity is at the end of my decision and reaction. His time of favour is here.
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