Unwrap the Gift—And Hear Jesus.
Isaiah 7:14NKJV
A wrapped gift could be anything—It could be the best gift money could buy, it could be an engagement ring wrapped in a small package. It could be huge, like a new house with two keys wrapped up in a gift bag. That gift might be heavy, it could be light. However, until the gift is unwrapped it can’t be utilized.
Illustration: Have a box wrapped.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
The scripture says, “Immanuel, God with us.” Unwrap the gift, and allow Him be God with you.” Immanuel is all you need.
Again, Isaiah 7:14TM So the Master is going to give you a sign anyway. Watch for this: A girl who is presently a virgin will get pregnant. She’ll bear a son and name him Immanuel (God-With-Us).
The prophet Isaiah, gave this Prophetic word in 740BC. The Law, Judges, Kings and Prophets were usually the voice for God—Before any of them, Jesus existed. In fact, In Genesis 1, During creation, Jesus was the spoken Word.
In Isaiah 7:1-13, Judah is faced with invasion by its northern neighbors, the Kingdom of Israel (also called Ephraim). God instructs the prophet Isaiah to tell king Ahaz that God will destroy Judah's enemies.
And then, Isaiah 7:14, has a two-fold meaning, ”a young woman,” has conceived and will bear a son whose name will be Immanuel, "God is with us,” and that the threat from the enemy kings will be ended before this child is weaned.
The second fold meaning of this verse is found in, Matthew 1:23NKJV “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”
As I thought about this major spiritual news given to a virgin named, Mary and to her soon to be—groom, Joseph. I thought to myself that it would still be 30 years before this baby named Jesus, would begin His 3 years ministry.
Not to belittle this eternal change of tide, but other than—A few shepherds rejoicing—some wise men from the east giving this baby gifts given to Kings. Gifts of—gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Prophetess Anna, and a man of God named—Simeon would rejoice and be part of this great life-changing event. Also, Angels would participate in the worship of this baby king—Jesus.
There wasn’t an enormous amount of people who witnessed the birth of Jesus. However, for 30 years Jesus lived a life submitted to his parents. Remember this truth, the silent years are very important.
From the age of 30 to 33AD, Jesus would confront the temple leaders at large, the High Priest, scribes, Sadducees and Pharisees. The big picture expressed over and over again by Jesus—Don’t miss the Messiah!
Jesus gravitated to sinners—harlots, and tax collectors. He discipled 12 men. What Jesus accomplished in 3 years would change humanity for eternality. P.H
Again, Isaiah gave this prophecy about Jesus—Isaiah 9:6NKJV For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The birth of Jesus changed everything. This mighty God born in a feeding trough would cause the rise and fall of billions of men and women throughout the ages.
According to scripture, there were over 400 years of silence between Malachi and Matthew’s gospel.
Think about this, Although the world didn’t realize it, The silence was broken with the squeal of this baby Jesus!
Jesus desires to be unwrapped, heard and seen. P.H
This babies squeal would become the call of Eternity, Love, Unmerited grace, Purity, Intercession, Forgiveness and so much more! The hub of the gospel is—forgiveness.
In a cemetery not far from New York City is a head stone engraved with a single word: “Forgiven.” The message is simple and unembellished. There is no date, no date of death, no epitaph. There is only a name and that solitary word—Forgiven.
Again, the squeal of this new born baby, and the squeal, or tears of Jesus while on the cross changes everything. Jesus cried, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Psalm 130:4NIV But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Full pardon—forgiveness, always produces thanksgiving, praise and worship!
A wealthy Boston businessman, who was well known for being ruthless and unethical, told Mark Twain that before he died, he wanted to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He said that when he got there he wanted to climb to the top of Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and there, read the Ten Commandments aloud at the top. “I have a better idea,” replied Twain, in his typical wit, “You could stay in Boston and just keep the commandments.”
Paul wrote in, 2 Corinthians 3:18TPT We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
We are to continue to behold Him—unwrap Him, and see Him. In return, He moves us from one level of glory to another. P.H
Again, Paul points out that the only thing that you need to hear and see is Jesus—He’s eternal.
The revealing of Jesus as Lord and Messiah can be found in, Matthew 17:1-8TPT Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and hiked up a high mountain to be alone. 2 Then Jesus’ appearance was dramatically altered. A radiant light as bright as the sun poured from his face. And his clothing became luminescent—dazzling like lightning. He was trans-figured before their very eyes. 3 Then suddenly, Moses (Law) and Elijah (Church), appeared, and they spoke with Jesus.
4 Peter blurted out, “Lord, it’s so wonderful that we are all here together! If you want, I’ll construct three shrines, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 But while Peter was still speaking, a radiant cloud composed of light spread over them, enveloping them all. And God’s voice suddenly spoke from the cloud, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, the constant focus of my delight. Listen to him!”
6 The three disciples were dazed and terrified by this phenomenon, and they fell facedown to the ground. 7 But Jesus walked over and touched them, saying, “Get up and stop being afraid.” 8 When they finally opened their eyes and looked around, they saw no one else there but Jesus.
After observing Jesus’ magnificent transfiguration—Peter answered, but no one was addressing Peter!
And what came out of his mouth? “It is good for us to be here.” And then Peter said,”…I will.
Peter stated—“I will make 3 booths, I will intervene and lend a helping hand.”
However, after this powerful light of God’s glory took Moses, Elijah and Jesus, the Father brought back Jesus by himself, again, verse 8 states—after their eyes were opened, they saw no one else but Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:18TPT because we don’t focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal.
Again, Moses represented the Law and Elijah the church. However, Jesus represents forgiveness—full pardon. He represents grace received by faith, He’s fully committed to your eternity.
This was the purpose for which Peter, James and John were brought up to the mountain—their vision was to be focused on Jesus alone!
If we focus our attention on Him we will be changed into His image; the image we were originally created to represent and hear.
Remember this—The issue is not what we are, but what He is. P.H
Behold Jesus!
Benediction.
