Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 7:14 (RSV).
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu-el.
The prophet Isaiah offered these words some 600 years before the birth of Jesus. In Isaiah we find many references pointing to Christ’s coming. Passages from Isaiah are quoted frequently in the New Testament, as this is in Matthew 1:23: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanu-el (which means, God with us).”
One reference that points to Jesus bringing us the Good News is found in Isaiah 61:1 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.” This is the scripture Jesus reads in the Temple in Luke 4:14-21, and He says to the people “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
God has told us of His plan for our salvation throughout history. The academic analysis is interesting, but more important is our faith in His promise to us. God wants us to know His love, shown by the gift and example of our Savior and spread the Good News everywhere.
Loving Lord, we are amazed at what You are willing to do to save us from our sin. Bless us to accept the love You send and share it with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
