During the month of April, I’ve chosen to blog through the alphabet. Each day I will use a letter to share a Name of the Lord that begins with that letter based on Proverbs 18:10 and the fact that there is strength in the Lord’s Name. I pray you’ll be blessed and that you’ll stop by often.

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 – NIV

Immanuel

While studying to write April blog posts on the Names of the Lord, I read this interesting fact. Throughout the pages of Scripture, there are over 100 names and titles given to Jesus. I don’t know about you, but that was exciting for me. For each situation in my life, I can be assured that there is a Name for Jesus to which I can call upon!

The Name I have chosen for today, Immanuel, is probably one that Jesus is most known by. And yet, it is only mentioned three times in Scripture. Two were Old Testament prophecies and one in the New Testament when Joseph was told of the coming baby.

What comfort Joseph must have felt when told that the baby Mary carried was God’s own Son. And that this child would be called Immanuel, “God with us.” Joseph knew from that moment on that God would be with their family. God would provide for their family. God would protect their family. Why? Because God was with them.

The first use of this Name of Jesus is found in the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah spoke words of prophecy to King Ahaz (king of Judah) telling him not to join forces with the coalition. Ahaz refused to listen. Isaiah urged Ahaz to ask God for a sign, but Ahaz refused. So Isaiah spoke these words.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 – NIV)

Oh there is more to this prophecy, but this is the part that Ahaz needed to hear. This is the part Joseph needed to hear. This is the part each one of us needs to hear.

As it turned out, the coalition fell under the siege of Assyria. Judah was saved from destruction at this time. And God’s Word held true.

Sometimes we are tempted to join forces with others who may be able to help us, but the truth is, we have God with us. If God is with us, then who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

You see, the words spoken to Ahaz hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth were not just words for this particular king at that particular time. They were spoken for all of mankind. God is with us.

Another interesting piece to this beautiful Name of Jesus is that Matthew begins with words of comfort and encouragement to Joseph. “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23 – NIV) These words of God were His promise that He would not leave us at any time.

Matthew ends with Jesus’ words of assurance that He indeed would be with us. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b – NIV)

Recall some of the ways God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit has been with our biblical friends throughout history. God was with Adam and Eve. God was with Abraham. God was with Moses. God was with Daniel. God was with Peter. God was with Paul. God was with John.

In the same way, we have Immanuel. God is with us. He is with us to encourage and strengthen us. He is with us to stretch and spur us. He is with us to counsel and guide us. He is with us to help fight our battles. He is with us.

I pray that you will find comfort in this singular Name of Jesus. I pray that you are able to trust in this Name. I pray that you will run to this Name when you feel lonely. I pray that you will cling to Immanuel, because He has chosen to be with you.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna