Scripture
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.
Reflection
This verse forms part of a prophesy by the prophet Isaiah as a sign to king Ahaz who did not believe the words prophesied by Isaiah in chapter 7 verses 7-9 that forecasted the destruction of Judah if the people of Israel did not return to God.
In verse 10 we read how God tells Ahaz to ask for a sign to proof to him that the words of Isaiah is true, but his response might come across, at face value, as pious – for Ahaz did not want to ‘test’ the Lord – but by rejecting God’s offer for a sign, he was in actual fact rejecting God himself, for he did not want to listen to God’s warning.
Often times people’s reply/comment or answer might come across as pious or very religious, but we seldom know their real motif behind their answer or reply. It’s not the outside that reveals a man’s true intent, but it is one’s heart. Therefore, like Psalmist, always pray
‘Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts’ (Psalm 139:23)
Thoughts for the day
- How often do you respond or reply with a religious answer or attitude but your heart is truly not in sync with your words
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Stop and pray for someone who is near to you right now, someone you can see.
