In the days of Ahaz, king of Judah God’s people were threatened with military invasion from the north (Isaiah 7-8). The LORD assured them that their enemies would not prevail against them and gave them a sign to confirm it (Isa 7:14). That sign was the birth of a child whose name was called, “Immanuel” which means, “God with us” (Isa. 8:10). God was with them to save them from their enemies!
Some 700 years later another child was born. His name also was to be called Immanuel (Mat 1:23). The prophesy of Isaiah 7:14 was “totally” fulfilled with the conception and birth of this child who is Jesus Christ! There is no record of Him ever being called “Immanuel” but at His coming God was literally with us in that Jesus was God incarnate! He did not come to save us from a military enemy but from one far worse. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and informed him that Mary was pregnant with a child of the Holy Spirit. He went on to say, “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Mat 1:21). God has come! God the Son was with us on earth where He gave Himself on the cross to save us from our sins! He was raised from the dead, ascended back into heaven and one day will come again!
And yet He is still with us! When Jesus returned to heaven, He sent God the Holy Spirit to indwell His people! Whatever threats, trials or troubles we face, God is with us! What comfort we find in that name, Immanuel!