Immanuel - A Sign to Be Believed (Part 2)

This morning I brought to your attention the name Immanuel, which is, I believe, used as a part of the sign which was given to Ahaz, the wicked king of Judah. I laid before you that the name is a sign of the depths and heights; the depths of stubborn unbelief in Ahaz, and many people alive today as well; but it was also given as a sign of the heights of the faithfulness of God. I then proceeded to apply to you this application; that the name Immanuel is also an encouraging sign of our solemn responsibility to believe in the Son who was born a Savior. The land of Israel was called Immanuel’s land in Isaiah chapter 8. And even when many enemies tried to conquer it, God’s purpose to bring salvation through the line of David in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ was not thwarted. But I want you to see something further this afternoon; that the name Immanuel is a sign to us in another way yet. It is an amazing sign of the great wisdom and power of God, when Christ was formed in the womb of the virgin Mary. It shows us that God was doing something that could not be done by any man. It shows us that God was at work to bring forth a person who would be sinless; a Person who would combine in Himself all that was necessary to bring fallen men and the Holy God together. This is why we are given the words, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive.” This is a most amazing sign. Let’s take a look at the meaning of this sign from the standpoint of Joseph and apply it, not only to his situation, but to our own conversion and growth in sanctification as well.