It is not unusual for me to speak with people who ask if God exists, then where is He? Or if He is here why can’t we see Him? I always appreciate candid faith based discussions, because this is a good indicator that whoever is asking the questions is also seeking answers. God’s Word is clear in Jeremiah that those who seek Him will find Him. It’s the people who are not asking questions that concerns me. Today my topic is God is with us. In a few days we will celebrate His birth, His coming to us.
The radical love of the Father sending HIs only Son.
The radical love of the Son in obedience to the Father.
The radical love of His followers who are the light of the world.
Back to the question of where is God. Scripture tells us that God is with us and His name is Emmanuel. The name comes from Hebrew the roots Im meaning “with” and el meaning God.
The gospel of Matthew cites the prophecy of the sign of Emmanuel from Isaiah:
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is God with us.
God has promised never to leave or forsake us.
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave or forsake you. So not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
And Jesus’ words
And behold I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20)
Before Jesus left He told us that He would send His Holy Spirit to be with us. Emmanuel was, is now, and will be forever with us. The better question is not where is God? But where are our hearts?
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Our Savior, we have an opportunity to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to surrender our lives daily to Him? I confess there are days when I ask where are you God… and His answer is always I am here. I discover quickly that it is my heart that has strayed. Anxiety, fear, judgment, pride.. threaten to crowd Him out. But He never leaves or forsakes. After all that is why He came– to seek and save the lost.
Allow this sacred advent to be a time of preparation for our King. Would love for you to join me in my upcoming study (Following the Call: Leading Courageously) either live or online as we seek to become courageous leaders in the New Year.
Merry Christmas everyone!
