The Virgin Shall Conceive - Isaiah 7:10-15

In a previous reading we learned that Judah's King Ahaz, an evil king, is about to be attacked by the kings of Israel and Syria. God sends Isaiah to King Ahaz to give him a message of comfort. King Ahaz doesn't expect God to intervene for him and his people, but God promises Ahaz He will protect and save Judah.

The Lord tells Ahaz to ask for a sign to verify God's promise. Ahaz refuses. So Isaiah, impatient with Ahaz, tells him of the sign he will receive from God Himself, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." (v 14). The virgin’s son is God who will come to earth in human form. He will be born as a descendant of David, the most famous king of Judah.

Through this promise God will be faithful to the line of David. Judah's future will be established through the birth of “Immanuel.” This was the sign, given to king Ahaz, that Judah would continue as a nation.

Today's reading shows God is faithful. He keeps his word. God's promise to King Ahaz wasn't realized during Ahaz's lifetime. It took many generations until Immanuel was born of a virgin and came in human form to be with us on earth.

This is the birth, the Son of God coming to earth, that we celebrate at Christmas. His gift of peace and hope comes to all who follow Him. He is Joy to all the world!

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Be Firm in Your Faith - Isaiah 7:1-9

How do we respond when trouble comes our way? Do problems cause fear and doubt?

In today’s text, we are shown Pekah, king of Israel, aligned with King Rezin in a desire to join forces against Judah, fight against Jerusalem, and harm King Ahaz of Judah.

This threat to Judah’s security brought great fear to King Ahaz and his people. Their doubts and fears for the future shook their hearts.

God sends Isaiah with words of encouragement and reassurance for Ahaz. Isaiah tells Ahaz to be careful, stay calm, and not to be afraid. God wants Ahaz to know He is with him, the two invading kings will not succeed, and, further, their kingdoms will not last long.

No matter what our situation looks like, we have hope because God is always with us. God wants the best for us. The more time we spend with Him in prayer and in His Word, the more His will for our lives becomes clear and our faith becomes firmer.

“If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” (v 9b) When life gets complicated, we need to be careful not to operate in our own strength. We are not without hope. Let us remain calm, not be afraid, and stand firm in our faith. God is always at work in ways we don’t understand to protect us and bring us safely through our troubles.

God is with us anytime and anyplace. He brings us peace, comfort, and joy. Celebrate the season!

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