Advent Reading for December 12: Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew Chapter 1
Reflection: Signs of God
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things...Hebrews 1:1-2
Today's reading moves us from one of the prophets of old, Isaiah, unto these last days of Christ's appearing. In these verses, we mark the notable importance involved in the naming of a child. Sometimes, the name of a person in Scripture gives us a glimpse into the character or calling of that individual.
Prophets and their children were known to have names that became “signs” pointing to a certain aspect of God's providential blessing or activity in their lives. Isaiah's own children, Maher-shalal-hash-baz “speed to the spoil, hurry to the plunder” and Shear-jashub “a remnant shall return”, both had names with an object lesson attached. At one point Isaiah proclaims “Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion” (8:18). This verse is later echoed by the writer of Hebrews as applying to Christ and the children God has given unto him.
Moving forward to the birth of Christ, we see Simeon blessing the baby Jesus saying, “Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against...that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35). Here again is another sign to consider; Jesus would become God's fullest revelation to his people by pointing the way to both the judgment and salvation of God.
The name Jesus, Hebrew Yeshua, means “God saves” or “God is salvation”. This name was given to Mary and Joseph by Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, “for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This was accomplished through his perfect sacrifice of himself for the sins of his people on the cross and his resurrection from the dead to be both Lord and Savior of all who believe in him.
The second name mentioned in connection with Mary's child is "Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (21:23). God has drawn near to his people. In becoming man, Christ has taken on the infirmities of our weak human nature. He has shown his compassion for us in his suffering both with us and for us as a man. In coming to be with us, God has revealed to us his earnest commitment to always be near us. After the resurrection, when Jesus commissioned his disciples to go into the world with the gospel he left them this promise, “lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (28:20). He does not leave us comfortless as orphans, but comes to us by his Spirit until the day when we will see him face to face and be with him forever!
And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.Isaiah 12
John McLawhorn
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