In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
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God With Us
Immanuel (Hebrew), Immanuel (Greek)
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:13-17, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew 28:19-20, John 1:10-18, Revelation 21:3
Description
The name Immanuel, or “God is with us,” appears in the book of Isaiah in key prophecies predicting the coming of the Messiah. The name carries a sense of nearness, including intimate knowledge of the needs, struggles, and hopes of humanity. When Isaiah prophesies about the virgin birth, he says that her child will be called Immanuel. This is not a proper name as much as it is a description of what the Messiah would be like.
In Matthew, an angel tells Joseph to name the child Jesus, because “He will save His people from their sins” (Mt 1:23). This name describes what Immanuel would do. Together, the names Immanuel and Jesus mean “God will be with His people and He will save them from their sins.” God saves His people and is close to them.
Emphasis
God’s nearness to and presence with His people
Reflection
What does this name teach me about God?
Nothing better than the presence of God!
It teaches me about who is He and what He will do for me.
God is always with us. Hallelujah!
in Any time I am never alone.
This teaches me that He is present, He is near, He is personal. He did not just remain looking from where He was but He came down, let sin touched Him as clean as He is and as dirty as sin is He let it touch Him just to meet us where we are.
God is with us-His proximity is always close.
Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world!
God is very involved in my life!