Prophecy of Emmanuel:
Understanding the Concept of "God With Us"
The book of Isaiah contains a significant prophecy about the coming of Jesus and the sign of Emmanuel. In Isaiah 7:14, it states that the 'Lord Himself' will give a sign. This sign is to reveal the birth of Emmanuel, meaning 'God with us.' The prophecy presents Emmanuel as a representation of God's presence among humanity.
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
This prophecy points to a special sign coming directly from God. Let's explore what this sign is and how it unfolds.
The Birth of Jesus
"The Lord Himself"
The prophecy's journey begins with the birth of "the Lord Himself," as Jesus. His birth is seen as a crucial first step towards the eventual fulfillment of the "Lord himself" giving the sign.
Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
Luke 1:31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
It's important to note that Jesus is not the sign itself promised by Isaiah. Instead, Jesus’ arrival acts as the divine trigger. His birth sets in motion the events that will ultimately reveal the sign and birth of Emmanuel.
Why was this done?
The prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, about the Lord giving a sign, isn't a simple, single event. It's presented as a carefully orchestrated sequence. A key part of this plan is the angel Gabriel, acting as God's messenger to carry out these divine steps and not through a prophet.
Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord (himself) by the prophet (Isaiah), saying,
Matthew 1:23 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.
The details of this narrative show a complex and deliberate divine plan being put into action. It highlights God's active involvement in fulfilling his word.
Seeking a Sign
Later in Jesus' ministry, religious leaders challenged him, asking for a sign to prove his authority. Jesus responded with an intriguing answer, saying the only sign they would receive is "the sign of the prophet Jonah."
Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:
Rev 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
This reference to Jonah, who was in the belly of a great fish, is not just a historical story. The story of Jonah is cited by Jesus as a symbolic reference, where the notion of being hidden and later revealed may parallel the prophecy's unfolding. Just as Jonah was inside the belly of the great fish, Emmanuel is understood to be within the "woman's belly" mentioned in Isaiah's prophecy – waiting to be revealed.
The Parable of Baptism
and the name "God with us"
Baptism, symbolizing a transformation or new beginning, can be viewed as representing the impending birth of Emmanuel. This act of being immersed in water and coming out can be seen as a symbolic representation of a pregnant woman's water breaking before childbirth.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus concludes his instruction with "I am with you always." This phrase, "I am with you," is interpreted as the very meaning of "Emmanuel" – "God with us." Jesus, by saying this and giving the metaphor of baptism, completes his part in revealing the sign of the prophecy.
The Revelation of Emmanuel
The book of Revelation describes the birth of Emmanuel. It speaks of a woman giving birth to a son who is destined to rule. This imagery connects back to Isaiah's prophecy and points towards the full revealing of Emmanuel.
Isaiah 9:6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will be on his shoulders. He is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Revevelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
The birth of Emmanuel, as described here, is presented as the culmination of the entire prophecy. He is finally revealed, not just as a sign, but as the very presence of "God with us."
God is with us!
The ultimate meaning of the Emmanuel prophecy is realized when Emmanuel is truly "God with us," dwelling among humanity. This fulfills the promise and reveals God's presence in a profound way.
Psa 82:8 Arise, O God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.
Isaiah 8:18 Here I am, with the children the LORD has given me as a sign and a wonder in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion.
Revelation 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
2Chronicles 13:12 And, behold, God himself is with us for our captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper.
Emmanuel's presence signifies the fulfillment of God's plan. God himself is now truly among his people, guiding, leading, and protecting them. "God with us!" is not just a name, but a reality.
Michael's Trump
In the narratives of the end times, Michael emerges as a pivotal figure, depicted as a high-ranking leader with a mission of protection and deliverance. Known as a "chief prince" and commander of forces, Michael stands up during a time of unprecedented trouble to safeguard a chosen people, ensuring their survival amidst cosmic conflicts and great turmoil. This segment delves into Michael’s role as a warrior and guardian, exploring his actions.
Dan_12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
The exploration of Michael in the end times reveals a figure of immense strength and purpose, standing as a protector and leader in the face of unparalleled challenges. His role as a "chief prince" and guardian underscores a legacy of resilience and duty, anchoring the narratives of deliverance and conflict in a time of great turmoil.
Jacob's Redemption
The scriptures convey a momentous narrative of divine promise and redemption for Jacob, announcing his resurrection and the revelation of God's chosen people. They testify to a time of great tribulation, known as Jacob's trouble, but they guarantee deliverance and salvation through the Lord's unshakeable covenant. These scriptures underscore God's call to his servant Jacob to return to Him, heralding the ultimate redemption and restoration of Israel, led by the Deliverer from Sion.
Gen 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
Isa_10:21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
Psa_24:6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
Rom_11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
Jer_30:7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.
Isa_48:20 Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.
Isa_29:23 But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.
Isa 29:24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
In fulfillment of God's word, the remnant of Jacob will return to the mighty God, sanctifying His holy name. The scriptures affirm that all Israel shall be saved, with the Lord's strength and glory shining through His chosen people. This divine promise invites reflection on God's enduring faithfulness and the hope of Israel's restoration, a testament to His everlasting love and power.
