PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Apr
14

Immanuel. God in me!

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture
20]But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. [21]She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” [22]All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: [23]“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:20-23
Observation
Right off Matthew doesn’t hesitate the person and and purpose of his letter - “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David…” This is about Jesus! A few moments later he points his letter towards the birth of this Jesus - Immanuel - God with us! Matthew uses Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth of Immanuel. (Is 7:14) What a powerful, bold statement. Matthew presents Jesus as God’s anointed King. His portrait is of Jesus as true Messiah, God’s Anointed King! He bridges the Old and New Testament with the Messianic genealogy - fulfilling the OT prophecies - affirming the coming of Jesus as King!

Can you imagine hearing the words of Matthew? Is this true? Real? Is this really God’s Son - who will save us from our sins? For the Jews, awaiting their Messiah, this was not the expected entrance of their King - God’s Son being born to an unknown, normal, lowly teenager who was not even officially wed.

Application
The take away for me is - God has to be the One who opens the eyes of any and everyone’s understanding and hearts, to know and believe that Jesus is God’s Son. That He is real, truth and Immanuel - literally God with us! I can’t (in my own human mind and heart) believe that the “Holy Spirit” made Mary pregnant!? What in the world!? I questioned this for years before I believed and received Jesus into my life. The Holy Spirit conceived Jesus in my heart - so to speak. It was the Spirit of God who revealed Jesus as Immanuel to me, drawing me to know and be filled with my Father’s love!
Prayer
God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit… I Love You. I need You. I want You! I am in desperate, desperate despair for You - to know You! Thank You for Your real grace, love, peace and joy - You fill my Heart! I love You ALL - 3 in 1!


Devotions for April 14

1 Samuel 15,16
1 Chronicles 5
Matthew 1

Start Doing Devotions

Devotions are an important part of everyday life. Click here to learn how to do devotions.