HIS PRESENCE WITH US A SIGN OF LIBERTY (Isaiah 7:10-25)
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye
Provost
The name Emmanuel “God with us” which appears in Isaiah 7:14 as a sign given by God to King Ahaz was a signal of God’s protection for Judah, however in the New Testament it is interpreted as a prophecy of the Messiah fulfilled in Matthew 1:21-23. An angel told Joseph that Jesus will “save his people from their sins,” explicitly linking the name Emmanuel to a mission of rescue and redemption. The presence of “God with us” through Jesus Christ provides liberty in several specific ways as below.
Freedom from Sin and Death: Emmanuel represents the end of spiritual captivity. By becoming human, Jesus was able to offer his own life as a sacrifice to cancel the ”claim” of sin and offer eternal life. In Romans 6;23 says “ for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Many people strive to be set free but they forget that it is not about human effort but the grace of God. The grace is available for all
who are willing to confess with their own lips that Jesus is Lord (Romans 10:9-10).
Direct Access to God: His coming “tore the veil,” removing the need for intermediary high priests or animal sacrifices. Believers now have free, direct access to God’s presence. In 1 John 5:10-12 “ 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” We are all children of God and for that matter, we can access him anywhere at any time whether night or day.
Liberation from Fear and Loneliness: Because Jesus is “with us always”; (Matthew 28:20),believers are liberated from the fear of abandonment, even in times of suffering or isolation. In Psalm 23:4-6 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. This Psalm is an assurance that even in the darkest part of life, even when surrounded by enemies, our confidence in Christ is a weapon of war, we are victors in Christ Jesus.
Finally there are many people still living in bondage. They are not sure about the greater gift they have in Jesus. They do not know how to claim the promise of his presence over afflictions including demonic attacks and witchcraft. Some are in bondage of religion and are busy fulfilling every rule of their religion. Jesus came to destroy all the works of evil and give us eternal life.The presence of Emmanuel is described as a source of empowerment and victory, helping individuals overcome obstacles and spiritual darkness. In his presence, there is liberty.
God Bless you
The Very Rev. Canon Dr. Rebecca Nyegenye | Provost