Emmanuel

Matthew 1:23, And they shall call his name Emmanuel.

Searching through the scriptures, we never see where Joseph or Mary ever called Christ, "Emmanuel." We never see that by the word. But given in account that we really dont see much of anything they said to Him, we have to assume they did at some point. Oh what a beautiful sound it must have been for Mary to look over at Joseph, while holding the infant Christ in her arms, and saying “He is so precious Joseph, but what id His real purpose here?” And I can hear the voice of Joseph ring so clear… “Mary… He has been given to us to be… Emmanuel.”

The word Emmanuel is really a name… it is a word that creates character. It is used to explain in greater depth the character which builds a person. Its meaning when translated is… God with us.

Although I personally don’t think that many people called Christ Emmanuel on a regular basis, I do believe that they spoke of His character in the same meaning. As I think about the disciples, as they seen the hungry fed, the sick healed, the broken hearted mended, I believe they said… “this is truly God with us on earth!” I cant help but think of the beggar that sat outside the gate of Jericho, he was “Blind Bartimaeus” to most in Jericho. Never had seen before in his life. But when Christ came by and healed him, I believed he must have said… “I have met God on earth!! He is here!! He is walking with us! You ask me how I know? I know because I once was blind… but now I see. He is God with us!!”

Then my mind wonders back to yet another story… he was a man that Jesus greatly loved! Jesus held him, along with his two sisters, in high regard. Then one day while Christ was out teaching and helping others, a voice rang out “Jesus!!! Jesus!! I have a message from Marry and Martha! The one you love is sick! He needs you!” But as the story goes… Jesus knew He had a task right where He was at that must first be completed. So He continued His teaching and ministry. Then some days later we see Christ at the tomb of Lazarus. He had been dead for four days. Then a shout comes forth from the lips of Christ… “Lazarus!!!! Come forth!!” All of a sudden the heart of a dead man starts to beat again!! The blood that was cold, starts to flow once more!! Then the words come… “loose him!! And set him free!!” Behold the dead man lives!!! I know that everyone that was there must have said “what a wonderful Lord!! This man is truly a savior!” But I know that the testimony of Lazarus must have been something like this… “I know that this man is God with us!! Not but just seeing the healings that He has done for others… but listen to my story!! I once… was dead!!! (Folks I am felling the Holy Ghost!!) I once was dead!!!! But now I live!!!” Story after story beloved!! We can read where Christ was literally Emmanuel!

Now you may say… “that was in the bible… He doesn’t go by that name anymore!” Beloved… HE IS STILL EMMANUEL!!! You ask me how I know? For I once was that blind beggar in the ditch of life!! But He came by my way, and I called on Him… and now I see!! I was once dead in my sins!! Bound by the grave clothes of flesh. Trapped in a tomb that was dark, cold and Christ-less!! But one day… when I didn’t think I would every be free… I heard His voice calling me!!! “Buddy!!! Come out!! I am still the Giver Of Life!! I am still the Healer! I am still the Savior!! I am still the Way Maker!!! I AM!!!! I am still God with you!!!!! I am still… Emmanuel!!!!!!”            THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!!