Immanuel Hears: When Heaven Seems Silent: Fourth Week of Advent Devotional

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 7:10-17; Psalm 24; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

In the Isaiah reading there is a civil war going on between Judah and Israel with Syria allied to Israel; resulting in Judah being overcome by fear. Isaiah the prophet and his son Shear-jashub met Ahaz, King of Judah, with a prophetic word of encouragement. II Kings portrays King Ahaz as an evil king. His grandfather was Uzziah and Jotham was his father, both were good kings and are found in the genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 1:9.

Ahaz made a coalition with Israel and Syria to oppose the Assyrians who were arming forces against the Northern Kingdom. Isaiah counsels Ahaz to trust in God, not in foreign allies. Isaiah gives Ahaz a prophetic message which Ahaz refuses in Isaiah 7:12. Isaiah then states that the Lord would give a sign whether Ahaz wanted to hear the message or not. We are told in Isaiah 7:14, that a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

What is the condition of your heart this day? Is your heart pliable or is your heart hardened? Are the forces in your life too great to bear? Have you asked God the same thing over and over and heaven is silent? Abba are You there? Abba can you hear me? Abba can You see me? Abba can You hear me calling You?

Psalm 24 is part of a series of Psalms of Ascent that were sung as David brought the Ark of the Covenant from Kirath-jearim to Mount Zion. Imagine this procession! The Jewish historian Josephus says that seven choruses of singers and musicians marched before the Ark as it was brought to the Mount where David had prepared a tabernacle for it. What a spectacular sight! In our daily devotion or in corporate worship do we approach God with the same level of rejoicing and excitement that David showed?

Who can stand in the Holy place? (Psalm 24:3-4) Who has clean hands and a pure heart? Well that leaves me out! Or does it? I will be there and so shall you. Why? Because of Immanuel! Because God is with us and His Holy Spirit is in us. Because we have trusted in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It is because of Jesus’ redeeming work on the cross, that my hands are clean and my heart is pure. Lift up your head and see the King of glory! He is our Lord, who is the King of glory. He is the LORD, strong and mighty.

In the Romans passage, Paul calls himself a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, set apart for the gospel of God. We have a gift to share this Advent season as God’s servants to be a living gospel; the living good news of salvation to all those who are far from the Lord.

The promise of Isaiah’s prophecy is birthed in our New Testament reading. In Matthew we see an angel’s visitation to Joseph. Just imagine the anguish of Joseph’s heart concerning his betrothed. Can’t you hear him saying to the Lord. ‘I love her Lord!’ Abba can You hear me? Abba can You see me? Abba can you hear me calling You?’. God saw Joseph. God heard Joseph. God heard Joseph’s cry.

Is the enemy accosting you? Have you made alliances with people instead of trusting God? Do you feel God has failed you? Is heaven silent to your prayers? Friend, there is good news! Your Father in heaven hears you! Your Father in heaven sees you. Your Father in heaven hears your hearts cry. Jesus is here. Jesus is near. The Holy Spirit within you rejoices, so despite the situation or circumstances, rejoice! God is not the enemy. You can trust Him. He is a God of miracles and He loves you more than you can imagine. Amen