Tension and fear surround Ahaz. He’s in a bit of a predicament. Assyria surrounds and is forming many alliances. Ahaz, king of Judah will have a hard time holding on. In this Isaiah text, the conversation between God and Ahaz continues. It has been going on for a while. God offers to give a sign to show God’s presence, but Ahaz refuses. You can almost applaud him for not wanting to waste God’s time, but this isn’t what happens. Instead, Isaiah tells him that the LORD will give him a sign and the sign will be Immanuel: God With Us! This is the epitome of signs.
We need to hear this message of God is with us, through all and in all. This message isn’t just for us. God stands with those on the margins, those we label other, even our enemies. God With Us, took the form of a baby, born to an unwed teenage mother, a refugee living in poverty. The most unlikely of circumstances for God to be born. Yes, God is with us! All of us.
Accompanying God, you came to earth as a baby to meet us where we are. You don’t leave us where you find us. You show us your way of abundance and blessing even when fear surrounds. Amen. —