“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” – Matthew 1:23
With – what a lovely word when applied to healthy, nurturing relationships. Time spent with a beloved, a precious friend, a dear family member, is time very well spent. But we don’t crave time with someone when the relationship is broken. God looked on man’s broken relationship with Him and, as John 3:16 states, He so loved the world that He sent His son. Jesus’ coming fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 that Jesus would be called Immanuel—God with us. He came as a baby, grew up, walked among people, experienced temptation, taught and healed and loved, and became part of human history. And then God sent His precious Son to die for our sins so that we could be with Him forever. We were the prodigal sons who stood far off but, thanks to Jesus, can now run to the embrace of the father and enjoy right relationship with Him. No longer alienated from but with.
When we decide to trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we can continue to experience Him as Immanuel, God with us. When Jesus left the earth, He asked the Father to send the Counselor, the Holy Spirit “to be with you forever” (John 14:16). In John 14:17-27, Jesus continues to teach that the Holy Spirit “lives with you and will be in you” and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” There is nowhere we can be—physically, emotionally, spiritually—where we are unreachable to Jesus through His Spirit. That means we can say with David (Psalm 139:7-10):
“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.”
Jesus is with us on our best days, our worst days, our last day here, and all our days in eternity. For He said:
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? “(John 14:2-3).
With – what a lovely word. Jesus came to be with mankind and to offer salvation. When He left earth, He asked the Father to send the Spirit to be with us. He prepares a place for those who believe in Him that at death we may be with Him. Let us take comfort that God’s children are never truly alone. Immanuel has come. God is with us.