“God with us” has been the plan from the beginning. In the garden, God was tangibly present, walking with His image bearers in the evening breeze (Genesis 3:8). But that perfect fellowship was revoked when sin entered the picture, carving a deep, uncrossable chasm between fallen humanity and the holy Creator. Even still, “God with us” echoes throughout Scripture. The Lord appeared to men like Abraham and Moses. His presence filled the tabernacle and, later, the temple. And, of course, we have the prophets, who proclaimed that a Messiah would come to save us, forever restoring our relationship with the Lord (Isaiah 7:14).
He came just as the prophets foretold. Jesus was born Immanuel, the name that means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). He is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, who walked among His people and brought the kingdom of heaven to earth. He is the Word made flesh—the living, breathing fulfillment of the promise who both restores and secures our fellowship with God for eternity (John 1:14).
Jesus’s disciples experienced the tangible presence of God with them, walking and talking in their midst. But the gift Jesus gave before ascending into heaven to sit at the Father’s right hand is the same gift He gives to us (John 14:26; 20:22). The Spirit of the living Christ dwells in all who have been saved by grace through faith in Him. He is with us—right here, right now, always (Matthew 28:20). Better still, we will one day experience that same joyful fellowship Adam and Eve knew in the garden; we, too, will live with God in a perfect, pain-free world of His creation. Jesus Himself is preparing a place for us, and He will call us there one glorious day. “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (John 14:3; Revelation 22:20).
And, yet, Christ bore the cross, making the chasm crossable…
1 Thess 4:15 We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 Fir the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangels voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
What a beautiful picture to bring us longing, joy, & anticipation for Christ’s coming.
Amen ❤
Feeling grateful this morning for Jesus’s promise of a home in heaven, his return, and the ever present Counselor we have today. What beautiful things to trust in and hope for!
Jesus is greater than any of my fears. He is faithful and His promises are true. No matter how dark that season of life is God is there with me, we need to remember that when the enemy is trying to foul us into thinking otherwise. We are strong in Him❤️
Amen! ♥️
Good Morning, ladies,
My week has been ‘off’ a bit, meaning Ive missed out on my uninterrupted morning time with God more often than not and instead have squeezed it in while my toddler crawls over me or while I try to tune out Super Simple Songs (YouTube preschool music). I have gotten into the Word each and every day and been following along just haven’t had as much to contribute to the conversation.
This morning I awoke at 5:30am PCT before my crazy barking dogs, before my 21 month old, and before my alarm! Hallelujah! I slide out of bed, made the coffee and met you all here to see this promise, one that to me feels blissfully obvious. Of course God is with us always! I am so grateful that I can (and I have) called on him whenever, wherever and know that He is listening and He has my back.
My study book finally arrived yesterday. Its lovely and I am excited to see how it augments my study. And I ordered the next study so I have a better chance at seeing it sooner! Everything is just moving slower these days.
I pray each you have a blessed day.
Amen to all these comments! I appreciate the ladies of this study and also the study itself. God be with each of you today and praise Jesus for all His love and mercy.
Amen!