When God Became A Man

When God Became a Man

Topic: The Son of God became the Son of Man in order that the sons of men might become the sons of God.

In the seventh century BC, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed a wonderful promise in 9:6-7.

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

Why is this prophecy so important? Because in chapter 8 all hope was gone!

A Time of Crisis

The 8th chapter of Isaiah 8 tells of a gloomy time of darkness, for Gods people. The nation of Israel had rejected God’s will and ways. They were walking and living separated from God. Despair was rampant, and their distress was overwhelming. Their was also the constant threat from their many enemies who were lurking in every shadows.

The people were afraid and worried because they had totally lost sight of God, and that is why God sent Isaiah, to help them recover their sight.

They had forgotten the words of Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) "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 days of God’s nearness – Had Past

The days of God’s great works – Had Past

The days of God’s glory – Had Past

The days of living by God’s will – Had Past

The days of finding comfort from God’s word – Had Past

How did this happen?

Because God’s people turned away from a loving and caring God!

1. They trusted in themselves.

2. They trusted in other worldly gods of their age.

3. God became a God of last resort.

How does this relate to us in our day?

1. Life apart from Jesus is

- Meaningless

- Clueless

- Fatiguing

- Empty and dark!

2. Our nation is very similar to Ancient Israel

3. We need to understand the great truth of Isaiah and apply it to our lives.

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.

God Became a Man, —like your neighbor, like you, like me.

A. This assertion seems almost illogical. It is like speaking about a square circle.

1. The Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, unable to do more than lie and stare and wriggle and make noises, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child.

2. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets.

3. God became as we are that he might make us what he is.

B. A. W. Tozer, the great Alliance preacher, was also overwhelmed by this thought.

He wrote: “The coming of Jesus Christ into this world represents a truth more profound than any philosophy. All of the great thinkers of the world together could never have produced anything even remotely approaching the wonder and profundity disclosed in the message of these words … He came … The words are wiser than all learning.”

C. Frederick Buechner adds,

“The claim that Christianity makes for Christmas is that at a particular time and place God came to be with us Himself.

When Quirinius was governor of Syria, in a town called Bethlehem, a child was born who, beyond the power of anyone to account for, was the high and lofty One made low and helpless.

The One who inhabits eternity comes to dwell in time. The One whom none can look upon and live—is delivered in a stable under the soft, indifferent gaze of cattle. The Father of all mercies puts Himself at our mercy.”

Let’s take a closer look at our scripture to discover the truth presented by Isaiah

I. For us a child is born, to us a son is given speaks of how Jesus provides

1. He loves you!

2. Christ came to save the lost.

3. Christ came to undo satan’s works

4. Christ came so he can personally relate to you

5. Christ came to give life abundantly

II. For us a child is born, to us a son is given speaks of Jesus purpose

1. To build relationship

2. To build quality of life

3. To empower our lives

III. For us a child is born, to us a son is given speaks of Jesus power

1. His government will be on his shoulders, it will increase and there will be no end to his peace