Advent-Christmas Devotions
Monday, December 15
Isaiah 7:10-16
10 The Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 Then Isaiah said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son and shall name him Immanuel. 15 He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”
“… But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test …”
Ahaz, the king of Judah, is in a tough spot. His closest allies, Samaria and Syria, are trying to force him into an alliance against Assyrian which is at the height of its power. Ultimately, Samaria and Syria will fall to the Assyrians and Judah will remain but become a vassal state. That’s all in the future, however. At present, the prophet Isaiah is encouraging Ahaz to remain neutral – to stay out of the fray.
Sometimes, we find ourselves in fixes of our own making. At other times, like Ahaz, we find ourselves caught in a bind over which we have little control. Our choices are often limited and typically come with risks no matter which direction is chosen.
What God, through Isaiah, is promising Ahaz is divine counsel and presence. Immanuel – God will us – is a wondrous promise to Judah that God remains on their side. Rather than wondering if God will continue to be active in Judah’s future amidst the coming conflict, Immanuel is a sign that God is with them.
Immanuel also means the same for us. No matter what fix we find ourselves caught up in, God promises to be with us. While choices still need to be made, and difficulties are likely to arise no matter which road is taken, God will not abandon us. Immanuel – God with us – is still the promise.
Prayer: Lord God, you promise to be with us always. Remind me of that promise when the world seems to press in around me. Immanuel – God with us – is still the sign. Amen.