Project Description

2014/01

Immanuel

‘They shall call his name Immanuel…God with us.’  Matthew 1:23

A New Year dawns and every traveller on the way to Zion steps out on a new stage of the journey. Already, our Lord has the line of the path marked out and provision made for its every necessity. He has an appropriate and adequate supply available for the needs of every weary traveller. Sufficient grace, sure guidance and surpassing goodness are all to hand at every step. Best of all, there is the promise of His own dear presence – “Lo, I am with you alway” (Matthew 28:20). What a comforting truth is the omnipresence of Christ, a presence which is unseen and yet real. It is no surprise that He has this attribute of Deity, as He is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

At all times, in all places, and in all circumstances, the Lord promises to be with all His people. His promise is ‘I am with you’, not ‘I will be with you’. He is ever ready to manifest Himself for their relief. He drew near and went with two downcast and despairing disciples on their journey to Emmaus. His companionship and fellowship on the way caused their heart to burn. What child of the King would refuse a journey where Christ will be a companion in travel? For God’s saints today, His presence is just as real and heartfelt on their road to eternal rest and glory. How soon that rest will be reached and that glory will appear!

He was present when His three faithful servants were in the fiery furnace. Daniel was not alone in the lions’ den, nor was John when in exile at Patmos. They all experienced the nearness and assurance of the Saviour with them. In using the little word “lo” – which means ‘behold’ – the Saviour stirs up faith to eye His promised presence as the believer’s encouragement. As you journey through this year, look to the One who promises, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). This is the word of the unchanging Christ. So when there is around you the changeableness of everything earthly, remember He is the same. Feelings fluctuate and friends fail, but God in Christ knows no change. You cannot have a more faithful, caring and understanding Friend to strengthen, help and uphold you (Isaiah 41:10).

He says literally, ‘Lo, I am with you all the days’. He is there in days of sorrow to comfort you, in days of loneliness to succour you, in days of doubt to guide you, and in days of conflict to deliver you. His mercies are new every morning and there is no day so dark that the light of His presence cannot shine through. A daily leaning on your Beloved will be testimony to others that He is worthy. It may lead some to say, “We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:23). Live each day availing of His infinite resources, boundless grace, tender love and cheering presence. You have no need to be unbelievingly anxious for any day of the year ahead.

Rev. Leslie Curran