GOD IS WITH US – EMMANUEL
GOD IS WITH US – EMMANUEL
So 2023 is finally coming to an end; and I pray that every thing unpleasant we passed through this year is coming to an end too. Amen.
As always, I bring you a word of encouragement today. I know beyond any doubt that somebody will read this and be transformed. So much happened to stop me from bringing this word today. But thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph. “I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 Contemporary English Version I pray that this message about Jesus will be pleasing to all who read it.
Please let us NEVER doubt that God is with us. In Genesis 15, God spoke to Abram, (that is before he became Abraham). “After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1 KJV
You see Abram had just been through a harrowing experience where he had to challenge some kings who had taken away his nephew Lot. Abram did not go after them with skilled warriors or any thing fancy like that, see what he did: “And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.” Genesis 14: 14 &16 KJV
Please note that at this point in time, Abram was still without a child.
So here is this man, Abram, who with household servants, defeated kings and brought back his nephew from captivity, and yet he is still afraid. It is the case that no matter who we are or what we have, there are things out there that can still scare us. And that is why God is always quick to tell us not to be afraid.
When God said, Fear not Abram, God knew that in spite of the very recent victory, Abram was still afraid or worried about something. So God came to reassure him that all will be well.
You see, Christmas, (the birth of our Redeemer, our Saviour and our LORD, Jesus Christ ) is a reassurance to us from God that all will be well. Dear friends, are you like Abram, perhaps 2023 has been a great year for you in many ways but there are still some things that need to be done and it is like what is outstanding takes the shine off all other victories and achievements? Or is it just the case that 2023 did not work for you at all : you were going in and out of one problem after another? Whatever the case is, I make bold to say “Fear Not”. God Himself has come to dwell with us. He is so close to us, His very Spirit lives in us and we can tell Him anything and everything. He wants to help us. He is an ever present help in the time of trouble.
In a few days we will celebrate the birthday of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ. Let us spend some to reflect on the truth that He was born to save us and to bring us back to our Heavenly Father. That is why we are rejoicing. Yes we run around getting gifts for family, friends, colleagues, business associates and the like. Yet the most important gift given to us all is JESUS. God did not leave us to wallow away in this world without a redeemer. Jesus is EMMANUEL, God with us. This brings hope for a better tomorrow.
The Israelites had come to the end of themselves. The only thing they could do was to wait for the ONE who was coming to redeem them. The ONE that most of the prophets had foretold of his coming. And He came.
Please let us not despair about what is not, what did not happen or even what was lost. Hope has come, Hope is here, in JESUS. Perhaps you are at the end of your tether and it seems like there is no point in going on, PLEASE WAIT!
Hope is not lost. God came for us. God is here. He did not leave us as orphans. He came to dwell with us – EMMANUEL.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Remember, JESUS is the real gift this season.
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS©