Introduction

Good morning, dear friends! Warm greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It's always a joy to gather together in unity, in the spirit of love and fellowship, as we seek to understand more deeply the profound truths of God's holy Word. Today, we stand on the threshold of a profound revelation, as we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Isaiah, chapter 9.

This is not just any chapter in the Bible, but a chapter that speaks to the very heart of our faith, to the core of our belief, and to the center of our hope. It speaks of Emmanuel - God with us. It's a chapter that provides an anchor for our souls in tumultuous times and offers a beacon of hope when the world around us seems shrouded in darkness.

The great Christian of old, Saint Augustine, once said, "God loves each of us as if there were only one of us." These words ring true today as they did in Spurgeon's time. We need Christ, Emmanuel, in our lives, not just as a distant deity or a historical figure, but as a living, breathing presence, walking with us, guiding us, comforting us, and leading us towards the fulfillment of God's divine plan for our lives.

Emmanuel's Existence

When we look at the world around us, we see evidence of God's existence in every sunrise, every blooming flower, every child's laughter. Yet, the existence of Emmanuel goes beyond the physical manifestations of God's creation. It is a spiritual reality, a divine truth that transcends our human understanding and penetrates the very core of our being.

Isaiah speaks of a time when the people walking in darkness will see a great light. This light is none other than Emmanuel. This is not a metaphorical light or a symbolic light, but a real, tangible presence of God in the midst of His people. This light is a beacon of hope, a source of comfort, and a guide for those who are lost in the darkness of sin and despair.

The first thing about Emmanuel's existence is His divine nature. Isaiah refers to Him as "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." These are not just titles or descriptions, but they reveal the very nature of Emmanuel. He is wonderful in His wisdom, mighty in His power, everlasting in His love, and a prince of peace in a world filled with conflict and strife.

This divine nature is with us, in us, and around us. He is a personal God who is intimately involved in our lives. He knows our thoughts, our desires, our fears, and our hopes. He understands our struggles, our pain, and our joys. He is with us in every moment, in every situation, and in every circumstance.

The second aspect of Emmanuel's existence is His human nature. Isaiah prophesies that "to us a child is born, to us a son is given." This speaks of the incarnation of Emmanuel, His coming into the world as a human being. He was born as a child, grew up as a son, and lived among us as a man. He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and pain. He felt joy, sorrow, anger, and love. He was fully human, yet without sin.

This human nature of Emmanuel is a present reality. He is not just a figure of the past, but a living presence in our lives today. He understands our human condition, our frailties, our weaknesses, and our limitations. He sympathizes with our infirmities, comforts us in our sorrows, and strengthens us in our trials. He is not just God with us, but God for us, God in us.

The third aspect of Emmanuel's existence is His eternal nature. Isaiah declares that "of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end." This speaks of the eternal reign of Emmanuel, His everlasting kingdom of justice and righteousness. He is not a temporary ruler, but an eternal King. His authority is not limited by time, space, or power. His reign is not subject to change, decay, or end. This eternal nature of Emmanuel is a present assurance. He is not just the King of the future, but the King of the present. He rules over our lives, our circumstances, and our destinies.

Next is His transformative nature. Isaiah proclaims that "the zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this." The Lord has the ability to change lives, transform hearts, and renew minds. He is an active participant in our lives, rather than a spectator. This is a proven reality. He is not just the transformer of the past, but the transformer of the present. He changes our attitudes, our behaviors, and our values. He transforms our perspectives, our priorities, and our purposes.

Embracing Emmanuel

Now, it's not enough to simply acknowledge Emmanuel's existence; we must also embrace Him in our lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO