Isaiah 7 Devotional

The Sign God Gave Anyway

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”Isaiah 7:14 (BSB)

When word arrives that Aram and Ephraim have joined forces, the hearts of King Ahaz and his people shake like trees in the wind (7:2). Isaiah brings him God's message: stay calm and do not be afraid of these two burnt-out stubs of firewood, because their plot will fail (7:4-7). A warning comes with it. Without faith, Ahaz will not last (7:9).

God even invites Ahaz to ask for a sign, as deep as Sheol or as high as heaven. Ahaz refuses with words that sound pious, but Isaiah calls it wearing out God's patience (7:11-13). Then God gives a sign anyway: a son born to a virgin, whose name will be Immanuel (7:14). Matthew sees it fulfilled in Jesus and explains that the name means God with us (Matthew 1:22-23). The promise came to a king who did not want it. It still comes to fearful people who have not earned it. Whatever threat looms largest today can be measured against the God who has come near in his Son.

To think about: What fear is shaking you right now, and how does the promise of God with us speak to it?