January 2

Matthew 1:18-25 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us) (Matthew 1:23)

Observation

A person’s name in biblical times revealed the character of that person, so when God the Father purposely called his son “Immanuel,” he was disclosing that he would never allow separation to exist between himself and sinful humanity. At a time when his creation was totally depraved and helpless to avoid sin’s eternal consequences, God became man to be with the unrighteous in order to remove the separation that existed between them due to man’s sin. Instead of rejecting sinners, God ran to them.

Application

I am a sinful man. I have earned God’s wrath and rejection. Yet, God refuses to have nothing to do with me. He has every right to say, “I am holy, you are sinful, so I reject you.” But, instead of hostility and separation, God chooses to be with me (i.e., to be Immanuel) so that I can be reconciled to him through Jesus.

That being the case, how can I not extend that same kindness that I receive from God onto others? Grace received demands that grace be given. So, I will seek to be with, not separated from, those who sin against me, that there may be forgiveness and reconciliation.

Prayer

Dear God, I am so unworthy of your love. Why you would run to me knowing the depth of sin that lies within me, I do not know. I am humbled. Father, help me to be Immanuel to those who sin against me. Let me embrace them, not shun them. Let me be kind, not rude; patient, not irritative. Let my words edify, not disparage. Let my heart be affectionate, not cold. And, if I ever wander from the spirit of Immanuel, then remind me of how you ran to me and embraced me despite my many sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

--P. Michael Lee