Young Adults' Group

Applying The Immanuel Idea

by Pastor Mark
November 12, 2020

The challenge to apply the presence of God

The Immanuel idea is meant to be applied (Isa 7:14). We should seek to actively practise this idea in our life. Let us be challenged not to understand this idea as only a concept but to understand that it is a truth that needs to be applied.

Some do not appreciate the presence of God and choose to reject it instead. The prophet Isaiah had to address such a problem that had adversely impacted the people of God.

The rejection of the Lord’s presence

“Inasmuch as these people refused the waters of Shiloah that flow softly,” (Isa 8:6)

God was the source of life for His people. “The waters of Shiloah” was a reference to the presence of the Lord. He was there as the living waters of the people. But instead of drawing from this living water, they refused Him. The consequence of their action was that God would judge them. He would send the great Assyrians like a strong and mighty River that would overflow the nation (Isa 8:7).

The example of Isaiah in applying the Immanuel idea

How did Isaiah respond to the difficulties that the people would have to experience? He sought to apply the Immanuel idea.

1. “O Immanuel”

The presence of the Lord was real to Isaiah. While the Assyrians would come to devastate the land, his focus was on Immanuel, “O Immanuel.” (Is 8:8) He consciously applied the idea of Immanuel to his adverse circumstances. It was not just knowledge to him. It was a precious truth to the prophet…that God was with him. He believed fully in the truth of Immanuel. Facing the dreaded reality of the invasion of the Assyrians would be extremely difficult. But Isaiah chose to apply the idea of Immanuel in his life.

2. “For God is with us”

Isaiah also had to face opposition, “Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.” (Isa 8:10) Enemies spoke against Isaiah and the Lord. They took counsel together, but nothing would come out of their counsel. Whatever words that these enemies would say, it would not stand.

On the other hand, the truth “God is with us” will stand. God was on the side of Isaiah and the people. He would bring the counsel of the enemies to nothing. Let us be challenged to have faith in God, that He would be with us amidst opposition.

Applying the Immanuel idea today

The idea of Immanuel continues to be relevant to us today. I was deeply encouraged by the wonderful example of the prophet Isaiah. As he was given the revelation of the Immanuel idea, he sought to apply it personally in his life when facing great difficulties.

The Lord is most certainly with us. His presence will never leave us. The practice of the presence of God should be an everyday thing. Let us be challenged to apply this idea of Immanuel today in our lives and our ministry. Let us be challenged to find great encouragement and inspiration in knowing that God is with us.

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