A brother once told me of a general contractor named Emmanuel that worked on his home. Calling Emmanuel to do a construction job translated to cost savings. If you know Emmanuel, he could save you some money on your home construction. Mexico and US is famous for people using names of other famous people. There are people with name Jesus Christ in US. Today we are going to talk about the “real” Emmanuel – Jesus Christ, God with us. God that will save his people from sins.
When you are in real trouble, you sometimes wish that your parents were with you or a dear one was with you. The presence of someone who cares about you and guides you builds confidence for even the weakest people. Tonight we will talk about a person who has promised to be with you. Read Isaiah 41:10
1. Know the real Emmanuel – God with us
Interesting thing about world is, they will leave you when you need them the most. How many people will tell you- I will be with you when you are in trouble. People have limited resources and they may not be able to help you, even if they are willing to. What happened after Katrina, Sept 11th for example? The resources in United States were strained and there are still some people who need help. The worst thing in this circumstance is having a broken spirit and zero faith.
God is waiting for you, knocking at the door of your heart. Are you ready to welcome him? There is a saying in Tamil “Njan ninachal puliye pidipenne, oshurupoyalum ninapade” - If I decide, I can catch a tiger. But I won’t decide, even if I have to loose my life. You may want to know, may be interested to know Jesus, but have you opened the door or is he still waiting at the door step – for long. In this case, God may not be really with you. Two people cannot be together unless in agreement. The tricks of this world is – Two people can appear together, still not be together. Smile and hold hands together, still not be together, Even have written agreement to be together, still not be together. Hello! Is your conscience telling you something?
Revelation 3:20, Luke 8:40 In paintings in which Jesus is knocking at the door, there is no handle. Why? because Jesus expects you to open the door. If you mess with the world, they will force and open the door to your house, but Jesus wont. But there will be a time when Jesus will hold the door shut. Matthew 25:10
Mark 2:2 For some, the notion would be that the gospel is a hard sell. But believe it or not there are people around the world eagerly listening to the gospel of Christ.
John 10:1-2 One would also have to watch out for who is knocking at the door or who is trying to get in. Believe it or not many people/things are trying to break through that door of your heart. Those are all renters, the real master is Jesus. Some times it will be difficult to get rid of renters. You might have heard of how challenging it is to remove people once a home is given up for renting in India.
2. Be the sheep of Gods pasture
We read about God of Abraham, Issac, Jacob.
Ezekiel 34:31 – You are the sheep of his pasture. What happens to sheep that has a good shepherd? Psalms 23:4-6
Why does the verse say God prepares feast for me in front of my enemies? Why can’t God prepare a feast not in front of enemies? This verse confirms that you will have enemies in this world. There are also “Other options” in this world that can make you feel good for a short time. But the next verse gives the clue – “Surely” goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. “Surety” is not common with “other” options in this world. Malayalam translation of the bible is missing the word “Surely”.
3. Find the right source of strength
2 Timothy 2:1
Philippians 4:13
1 Peter 5:10
The strength that the world gives is short lived. Many people have the attitude that I have money and relationships and so I do not need God. Money and relationships can be broken in an instant. Make sure that the joy of the Lord is your strength.
4. Find real help
The person who utters the words “ I will help you” should have the means to really help. Otherwise the words alone are useless. United States money Bonds are favored in the financial system of the world. Why? It is backed the United States that the government will pay the amount specified in the bond at maturity. Would you believe a blade bank at your local community to hold its promises all the time?
If God of Israel says, he will help you. He will help you.
Psalms 46:5
Isaiah 41:13
Isaiah 50:7-9
If President of United States says these words to you, will you be comforted? If so, how much comforted you should be by reading these verses.
5. Find the righteous hand that prevents you from falling.
Psalms 91:12 – This was the verse even quoted by Satan to tempt Jesus Christ. When you read this verse, you might also think, why are certain things in my life like this? Believe it not, the circumstances you could have been would have been worse than this.
Conclusion
Do you really know Emmanuel? I mean the real one, the one who truly embodies the meaning “God with us”.
